Daijiworld Media Network - Dharwad (SP)

Dharwad, Nov 16: A five feet high statue of Jesus Christ has been installed in the wildlife sanctuary at Mahadeshwra Hills, Kollegal in Chamarajanagar district. Wildlife activists and the locals are vehemently opposing this act.

The statue has come up in a forest land located in Hoogya near Jallipalya village. It is said that this statue was installed during the second lockdown in the state.

Wildlife activists have said that some locals have encroached upon the government and that they got they got the statue installed there in order to see that the encroached land is not forcibly vacated, and for religious friction to arise because of groups with conflicting opinions.

An activist explained that last year itself, there were attempts to create a small shrine. But the work was stalled after the Forest department officials intervened.

Meanwhile, Forest department officials clarified that the works were stopped earlier and said that action will be taken in case of any such encroachment.