Mysuru: The members of the Kabini Farmers’ Welfare Committee staged a protest demanding the eviction of illegally constructed resorts, bars, hotels and other commercial establishments in the Nagarahole and Bandipur tiger reserves.The protesters, who gathered at the office of the regional commissioner here, said that in the backwaters of Kabini and the forest areas of Nagarahole and Bandipur, hotels, resorts and commercial buildings were illegally constructed, causing significant harm to wildlife.“Wild animals are now venturing into human settlements in search of food and safety, creating a life-threatening situation for agricultural labourers and farmers living on the forest fringes. Four farmers already fell victim to tiger attacks, and many livestock were preyed upon by tigers,” they lamented.The noise from these buildings and the use of lights by vehicles at night are disturbing wildlife, leading to human-animal conflict, they said. They urged the district in-charge minister, forest minister, and the ministers of revenue and tourism to hold a high-level meeting, gather farmers’ opinion, and form a committee led by a sitting judge to prepare a report on legal and illegal constructions.The protesters insisted on protecting farmers in forest fringe areas, and demanded transparency about the illegal activities during the tenure of various ministers and legislators.They also called for revealing the true owners of resorts, arguing that allowing anonymous investments and lavish lifestyles for the wealthy is not characteristic of a civilised society. While access to temples inside the forest is restricted, politicians are permitted to use helicopters and cars, they questioned.The protesters warned that if the district in-charge minister does not address the farmers’ issues promptly, a more intense struggle will be necessary.Committee president Hallikerehundi Bhagyraj, state treasurer Kerehundi Rajanna, state coordinator Anumayya, district president Valagere Ganesh and vice-president Devanuru Nagendra were present.
