Forest Department registers FIR against three persons

Despite geologists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.)recommending to the Kodagu District Administration not to disturb hilly areas, especially places that are prone to landslides, a 38-acre land at Mangaladevinagar in Madikeri is being altered and levelled with heavy equipment.

The said land is located at Survey Numbers 543/73 (18.95 acres) and 543/74 (19.10 acres) of Karnangeri village. Hundreds of trees have been cut and the hilly terrain has been relentlessly carved to create a resort or a layout. Following complaints from the residents and activists, an FIR has been booked by the Forest Department against three individuals.

Mangaladevinagar witnessed gaping cracks in the terrain in 2018 and 2019 and as the 2023 monsoon season is at the district’s doorstep, residents living in the rest of the area of the hilly terrain and people who are living at the foothill are in danger of a repeat landslide this year.

Land altered for commercial use

A couple of earth movers and excavators have been used to alter the landscape unscientifically for the construction by a group of developers from Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, alleged the residents. Though the actual plan of the developers with the land has not been disclosed, the way the hilly terrain has been carved, it looks like villas will be built, they said.

According to local residents, hundreds of trees have been cut down for the construction without proper authorisation, further exacerbating the concerns. To remove evidence of the destruction of trees, the base of the trees has been uprooted entirely and the gaping holes have been levelled in mud, residents alleged.

Approximately twenty years ago, around 80 acres of land in this area were sold to developers from Andhra Pradesh Apparao, Subbayamma and Venkateshwar Ravi Reddy.

The developers have also constructed cement roads on the natural stream paths between the two hills, resulting in the absence of water flow during the rainy season. Consequently, during the monsoons, the houses built on the hill slopes will face the threat of landslides, feared the residents.

Highly sensitive area

Geologists have declared the Mangaladevinagar region as highly sensitive for natural disasters. Engaging in such unscientific commercial activities in these inaccessible hilly regions is causing severe distress.

It may be recalled here that considering the sensitive nature of the land in and around Madikeri, Air Marshal Nanda Cariappa, the son of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, had complained to the District Administration, Forest Department and also the Madikeri City Municipal Council in the past, urging the authorities to halt the commercial exploitation.

This time, Thamoo Poovaiah of Wildlife First has lodged a complaint with the Chief Conservator of Forests to stop the land alteration and construction. “We will be forced to approach the Supreme Court if the Forest Department does not take action,” Thamoo Poovaiah told Star of Mysore.

Residents of the area still recall the devastating floods and landslides. Despite the warnings from scientists about the extreme human intervention on nature contributing to such disasters, they continue to witness ecological misconduct. The outskirts of Madikeri have been transformed into a large concrete jungle, primarily for the residences of the affluent, they alleged.

FIR registered for axing trees: DFO

Madikeri District Forest Officer (DFO) A.T. Poovaiah and his team visited the spot following complaints and surveyed the area. He told reporters that Andhra Pradesh-based developers have levelled private land in the jurisdiction of Karnangeri.

“The land has been converted way back in 2017 and no forest land has been affected or encroached upon. But they have not taken the mandatory permission from the Forest Department to cut over 80 to 100 trees. An FIR has been registered against three persons under the Karnataka Forest Act and Karnataka Tree Conservation Act,” he said.

GSI had declared area as Red Zone

Sources told Star of Mysore that the land has been purchased by Andhra-based developers in 2003 and subsequently, the land was converted for commercial purposes. The NoC to undertake construction was issued by the authorities in 2013/2016 or 2017 and the construction began in 2018. Following landslides and floods, the District Administration stopped the construction.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared the area a ‘Red Zone’ where no construction activity can take place. “Even if it is private land and the commercial land conversion has taken place in 2013, the GSI opinion and permission are mandatory. Moreover, the Mangaladevinagar/Karnangeri come under the ‘Deemed Forest’ classification. No construction is allowed here,” an officer said.

MLA asks DC to initiate action

Any development must not harm the environment and this area has been declared as a sensitive zone by geologists. We will not allow any illegality, especially when it comes to our land, forest and water. I have asked the Kodagu Deputy Commissioner and Chief Conservator of Forests to take action if there are any violations. I am told that roads have been constructed and cement has been laid. An FIR has already been registered in this regard. Development works must not be undertaken at the cost of environment. — A.S. Ponnanna, MLA, Virajpet

Village Accountant to report

We have asked the Village Accountant to look into the issue where the land has been altered and trees have been cut. We will check the status of the land based on the report and take action subsequently. Also, the classification of Deemed Forest will be checked and the law will take its own course. — Kiran, Tahsildar, Madikeri Taluk