Save Kabini panel seeks action against illegal constructions

With increasing allegations of illegal resorts, homestays, hotels and other commercial activities near Kabini backwaters and areas adjoining Bandipur and Nagarahole forests – posing a threat to wildlife and escalating human-wildlife conflicts – the Kabini Rescue Committee has sought immediate government intervention by constituting a joint committee to look into the issue.

Warning that if its concerns are not addressed, it may launch an indefinite agitation in front of the District Commissioner’s office from February 25, the committee said it will involve prominent personalities who support protecting Kabini and surrounding forests from what it calls “illegal commercial activities”.

The committee sought answers by asking eight basic questions to the Ministry of Forestry and other departments. He took up the issue with Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), District Commissioner Mysuru and managing director of Cauvery Niravari Nigam Limited.

Save Kabini team member and advocate Ravikumar V., Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha leader Honnuru Prakash, activist Bhanu Mohan and others addressed a press conference here on January 24 to highlight the issue. They demanded that the proposed joint committee should work in a transparent manner and include senior bureaucrats, district officials, retired officials from the Forest, Irrigation and Environment directorates and representatives of the Save Cabinet Committee.

They said the committee comprised organizations working for the rights of farmers, Dalits and workers, as well as animal and social activists, writers and artists.

Questioning the permissions granted for construction and alleged commercial activities in sensitive areas, the committee called on the joint body to conduct on-site inspections in areas where illegal constructions have been detected, examine maps to detect encroachments and conduct a detailed drone survey of the area.