Funds for voluntary relocation of Karnataka's Bhimgad sanctuary villages to be allocated shortly
Hubballi: Karnataka's Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has assured the forest dwellers of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district that the government will soon allocate funds for their voluntary relocation.
Speaking to the people of Talewadi, one of the 13 hamlets situated in the sanctuary in Khanapur taluk, Khandre said that each family would receive Rs 15 lakh as compensation for rehabilitation, in line with the guidelines set by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), as reported by Deccan Herald on Wednesday.
The 13 settlements within the pristine forest of Bhimgad is a home to 754 families comprising 3,059 people. This region, a critical tiger corridor, connects the Kali Tiger Reserve with Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Mollem National Park and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also a critical habitat for tigers, leopards, endangered species like Wroughton’s free-tailed bat, among others.
While many residents of several hamlets have expressed a willingness to relocate due to inadequate basic facilities such as healthcare, education, and road connectivity, the rehabilitation work has been pending for want of funds.
Sources in the department informed the Deccan Herald that the minister advised the villagers to use the compensation funds effectively, either to purchase alternative agricultural land in and around Khanapur or to deposit the amount in banks. Furthermore, he directed the forest department to provide full support to the relocating families throughout the process, ensuring a smooth transition to their new life.
Belagavi’s Deputy Conservator of Forest, Maria Christu Raja, told DH that the talks with Talewadi residents were productive. While several hamlets have shown interest in relocating, applications have only been received from Talewadi. Officials hope that the successful relocation of Talewadi will serve as a model, encouraging other hamlet residents to follow suit.
The relocation of Talewadi will free up more than 1,000 hectares of inviolate space, providing critical habitat for the region's wildlife.
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Boy critically injured after tree branch falls on him in Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Dec 18: A nine-year-old boy was seriously injured after a tree branch allegedly fell on him in the city on Wednesday, police said.
The incident occurred at around 8 am on Nandi Durga road when the boy and his father were travelling to school on a two-wheeler, they said.
In his complaint, the man explained that as they reached Nandi Durga Road, a tree branch suddenly fell, causing both of them to fall off the vehicle.
"We live in MRS Palya. The route to school and back is via Nandi Durga road. I drop my son off daily on my two-wheeler. This morning, as we were on our way, a tree branch fell on us, and both my son and I fell to the ground. Some autorickshaw drivers saw us and rushed us to the hospital," said David, the boy’s father.
David sustained a minor shoulder injury, while his son suffered a severe head injury and is now under observation in the ICU, police said.
After the incident, David filed complaints with the BBMP and the local police station.
Based on his statement, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against BBMP officials, with further investigation underway, police said.
