'Mafia' operating in Chikmagalur Dt., 50,000 trees felled

By Our Staff Correspondent

SHIMOGA, APRIL 8. The reported large-scale felling of bamboo trees and their removal from the protected forest areas in Koppa Sub-Division in Chikmagalur District in violation of the Supreme Court's order against the illegal destruction of forest wealth have come in for criticism from the Wildlife Conservation Action Team (Wildcat-C) in Chikmagalur and the Nature Conservation Guild.

In a statement, the joint secretary, Mr. B.S.Narasimhamurthy, and the co-ordinator, Mr. N.Harish, alleged that a "bamboo lobby" was systematically looting the forest wealth in N.R.Pur, Balehonnur and Chikka Agrahara, which form part of the Koppa Sub-Division, where, at least, 50,000 bamboo trees were uprooted in the past few days according to an official estimate, whereas some put the figure at three lakh trees.

Environmentalists say that the bamboo trees were being removed ostensibly to be sold to "medas" (people engaged in bamboo work) at Rs. 12.50 each, but it has been noticed that those who have bought these trees, are, in turn, selling them in Kolar, Tumkur and Bangalore districts at an exhorbitant rate of Rs. 60 per tree, which indicates there is a "mafia" behind this black marketing in bamboo trees.

Environmentalists allege that in their enthusiasm to earn a quick buck the smugglers are engaged in the indiscriminate removal of wet and immature bamboo trees. According to them, Kosgar, Salya, Hantawani and the area near the eighth milestone in the Chik Agrahara area, which are known for their thick growth of bamboo trees, have been the worst affected where such smuggling is concentrated. These areas have assumed "geographical" importance because of their proximity to the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

They say that there is a big racket going on in the smuggling of bamboo trees and that a gang, said to be from Tamil Nadu and camping near Kusgal, is extensively smuggling the bamboo trees for use in the manufacture of essense sticks. A person from Umblebuylu is said to be the leader of the gang.

Demanding an inquiry into the racket, Mr. Narasimhamurthy and Mr. Harish feel that the activities of these smugglers are not confined to the looting of the forest wealth as they are also believed to be involved in poaching wild animals and other activities if the killing of two elephants in the backwaters of the Bhadra Reservoir and the growing of ganja in the recent past are indications.

Referring to the increase in the number of forest fires that caused extensive damage to bamboo and sandalwood trees, they point out that the lack of preparedness on part of the Forest Department officials to put out such fires has emboldened the smugglers to increase their nefarious activities. The environmentalists allege that the Forest Department officials do precious little to put out such fires in the initial stages, and they appear to be more interested in felling the bamboo trees and acasia plants.

They say that conditions in the Koppa Sub-Division of the Forest Department, which are in a state of neglect, can be improved if the Government institutes an inquiry into the smuggling of bamboo trees.

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Section  : Southern States
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