Daijiworld Media Network- Chikkamagaluru
Chikkamagaluru, Sep 1: State minister for forest, ecology, and environment Eshwar B Khandre has directed strict action following reports of an illegal rally in a protected forest area.
According to media reports, on August 31, a group of individuals allegedly conducted a four-wheel drive rally within the forest area near Byrapura Hosakere, which falls within the nine hills range in the Balur region of Mudigere taluk leading to a public outcry. This area is part of the Western Ghats and is a designated elephant corridor, hosting hundreds of species of birds, animals, insects, and plants. The forest department is responsible for the conservation of these species, and the government is taking this incident very seriously.
There are reports that around 52 vehicles participated in this rally, causing potential environmental damage. Minister Khandre has ordered an investigation by a chief conservator of forests (CCF)-level officer to assess the extent of environmental damage caused by the rally. If the rally is found to have taken place within the forest, cases should be registered under the Forest Conservation Act and the Wildlife Protection Act. Additionally, under the Environment Protection Act, steps should be taken to file a public nuisance case to protect the tranquility of the area.
The government has emphasized that the Western Ghats and forest areas are not meant for recreational activities like rallies and that the preservation of the region's biodiversity is of utmost importance. The forest department has been instructed to ensure that such activities are not repeated and to take immediate action against those responsible.
Background: Unauthorized car tally in Mudigere sparks public outrage
More than 80 cars participated in a racing event within a forest area in Mudigere, causing shock among local residents and forest officials. The car rally was organized secretly without obtaining permission from the forest department, prompting public anger.
The off-road rally took place on the dense forest road of Ettinabhuja, within the Balur reserved forest area of the Mudigere range. Reports suggest that over 80 cars were involved in this unauthorized racing event. The rally included participants from Bengaluru, Hassan, Sakleshpur, Thirthahalli, and Shivamogga, with private organizations allegedly organizing the off-roading activity. This has sparked outrage among locals, who have expressed their strong opposition.
According to Chikkamagaluru Deputy Forest Conservation Officer Ramesh Babu N, initial information indicates that the vehicles traversed private lands, coffee estates, Byrapura Estate village, and areas near Ettinabhuja. While the rally did not occur directly within forested areas, he stated that a detailed report has been requested on the damage caused to trees, grasslands, and wildlife, and action will be taken accordingly.
Police and forest department personnel seized 50 vehicles involved in the off-roading and rally. They filed a complaint against the organizers for conducting activities without proper permission. However, neither the Mudigere range forest officer nor the lower-level staff have taken any action so far, prompting criticism. Activist Veeresh G from Chikkamagaluru accused the forest personnel of gross negligence and dereliction of duty. He emphasized that such an incident had never occurred in this part of the forest before. "Since the rally organizers did not obtain permission from the Panchayat, the forest department must take strict action against those violating forest regulations," he urged.
Residents of Sakleshpur, Chikkamagaluru, and Mudigere taluks accused the participants of flouting forest laws in the name of adventure sports. The noise from the high-speed vehicles is a threat to wildlife. Environmentalists expressed concerns that the area, being an elephant corridor, could see elephants straying into nearby villages due to the disturbances caused by the rally.
Forest department officials at the scene appeared indifferent to the incident. Environmentalists and the public have demanded immediate seizure of the vehicles and stringent action against those who entered the forest illegally.