Archive · 19 May 2025
Greens Accuse Forest Dept of Contradictory Conservation Actions
Imagine the forest department is like a park ranger.
They are kicking people out of the forest to protect animals, which sounds good, right?
But now, they are planning to build things like safaris and power projects in the same forests!
Environmental groups are upset because they think this is unfair and hurts the animals.
They say it is like the park ranger is saying one thing and doing another.
The groups point out examples where people were moved out to protect wildlife, but now the government is allowing tourism or big projects like power plants.
They fear that this will harm the animals and their homes.
It’s like the park ranger is helping the animals, but also letting people ruin their homes.
Environmental groups accuse the forest department of contradictory conservation policies.
Families are being relocated from the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) to protect wildlife.
A wildlife safari is planned in BWS, which critics say contradicts the relocation efforts.
Similar contradictions are cited in the Kali Tiger Reserve, and Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary.
Environmentalists warn that commercial projects undermine conservation goals.
- Who
- Forest department, environmental groups, forest-dwelling communities, and the government.
- What
- Environmentalists are criticizing the forest department's contradictory conservation policies, which involve relocating forest dwellers while allowing commercial projects in protected areas.
- When
- Over the last decade and in recent years.
- Where
- Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kali Tiger Reserve, Sharavathi Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, and Castle Rock Wildlife Range in Karnataka, India.
- Why
- Environmentalists believe that the forest department's actions undermine conservation efforts and the rights of forest-dwelling communities.
Environmental Groups
Government/Forest Department
Conservation and Development
Environmental Groups
These two aims are in conflict, the government's actions undermine its conservation claims.
Government/Forest Department
The government is working towards wildlife protection and economic development.
Relocation and Tourism
Environmental Groups
Relocating people and opening for tourism is contradictory.
Government/Forest Department
Relocating people is necessary for wildlife protection, and tourism boosts local economy.
- Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) Location
- Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district
- Number of Hamlets in BWS
- 13
- Families receiving compensation (phase 1)
- 32
- Proposed wildlife safari length
- 18 km
- Families relocated from Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) between 2020-2025
- 498
- Number of trekking routes identified in KTR
- 39
- Trees to be felled for transmission line
- 72,000+
- Land needed for Sharavathi power project
- 352.7 acres