Elevating environmental issues, Belagavi zilla panchayat final month put ahead a plan to construct a brand new street between Chikhale-Parwad in Khanapur taluk that passes by the proposed Eco Delicate Zone (ESZ) of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary utilizing laterite stones. The district administration has not filed any utility to acquire the necessary forest clearance underneath Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
The forest clearance is accorded by the Union Ministry of Atmosphere, Forest and Local weather Change.
The officers from the forest division identified that within the village map, the 5.9-km stretch between Chikhale and Parwad is recognized as a footpath. In accordance with a round from Karnataka forest division issued on March 15, 2021, the proposal to transform any footpath to a street within the forest space would require forest clearance.
“A proposal to transform such footpaths (footpaths current within the authentic village maps proven with single dotted strains) right into a street must get hold of forest clearance,” an officer with the forest division stated.
An enchantment towards the challenge was filed earlier than the Built-in Regional Workplace, Ministry of Atmosphere, Forest & Local weather Change (MoEF&CC) on November 4.
The appellant stated that the Chikhale-Parwad street has been talked about as a footpath solely within the village map and it seems that there isn’t any proof to show that the street was in existence previous to 1980. Subsequently, the particular person has requested the person company i.e., zilla panchayat, Belagavi to submit the proof to show the street has been in existence previous to 1980 and “in the event that they fail to submit any proof, they should get hold of the necessary forest clearance” as per the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
“It additionally seems that the proposed street alignment is a part of the proposed Eco Delicate Zone (ESZ) of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and the authorized provisions of the ESZ notification should be mandatorily adopted in compliance with the Honorable Supreme Courtroom Order dated third June, 2022. I’m additionally requesting you to challenge clear directions to the Authorities of Karnataka and Karnataka Forest Division to make sure that no work is began with out the prior approval of Central Authorities as per the provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and to adjust to the provisions of proposed Eco Delicate Zone of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary,” the enchantment stated.
Yegangoudar, government officer, Belagavi zilla panchayat, instructed The Indian Specific, “We’ve got written a letter to district forest officer (DFO) and vary forest officer (RFO) looking for permission for the street. We can have a gathering with them and the following plan of action will rely upon what they are saying.”
Nonetheless, environmentalists have raised apprehension over the development of the brand new street. “There are two waterfalls – Chikhale and Parwad – within the area. If this street is constructed, vacationer footfall will go up within the area which is a habitat for tigers. Furthermore, the DFO can not challenge permission for the street. It requires the approval of MoeF&CC,” an activist stated.