Belagavi: Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni filed a complaint with the Union ministry of environment and forests, alleging large-scale misuse of CAMPA funds and serious violations in the relocation of forest-dwelling families from Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Khanapur taluk.Kulkarni sought action against former Belagavi deputy conservator of forests (DCF) Maria Christu Raja D, Khanapur ACF Sunita Nimbargi, Bhimgad RFO Syed Nadaf, and officials of the revenue department and Nersa gram panchayat.According to the complaint, major irregularities took place in the Talewadi hamlet of Gavali village. Out of 57 families who applied for relocation, 32 were approved, and 27 received the first instalment of Rs 10 lakh each. A key issue involves survey No. 49 — land bought by a private individual, MM Suresh from Hassan, for compensatory afforestation (CA) after the forest department certified it as suitable.However, the same land was later shown in govt records as “forest dwellers’ houses”, and compensation was given to 10 unrelated families based on this claim. Kulkarni alleges this is a clear misuse of govt funds.The complaint also states that several families who received compensation still live in the village, and some do not own land at all. Meanwhile, more than 30 genuine forest-dwelling families were denied compensation, raising doubts about the fairness of the project.Kulkarni claims the “problem began with the decisions of the former DCF, who allegedly submitted relocation proposals without mandatory gram sabha approval and without following the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The proposals were approved by DC Mohammed Roshan. Before the minister’s visit to distribute cheques, the Nersa gram panchayat is said to have hurriedly conducted a gram sabha, raising further questions.” Kulkarni said these “illegalities have damaged the credibility of the entire relocation project.”Adding to the controversy, BJP leaders, including MLC Shantaram Siddi and former MLA Sunil Hegde, recently held a meeting in Hemmadaga opposing the relocation. Locals have alleged that some officials rushed the process only to claim credit.The issue comes at a time when the Centre has already ordered an inquiry into CAMPA misuse in the Kali Tiger Reserve, a case in which the same DCF was involved.
