Karnataka: Minister assures villagers of rehabilitation, compensation
Belagavi: Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre has assured that residents of villages within the Bhimgad forest area will be gradually relocated with appropriate compensation.
After the legislative session, on Monday night, the Minister visited Talawade along with senior officials from the Forest Department and held discussions with villagers. He told the villagers that the government is prepared to offer a compensation of Rs 15 lakh per family and encouraged them to voluntarily agree to relocation.
The Bhimgad forest currently houses 754 families comprising 3,059 individuals across 13 habitations. Minister Khandre instructed officials to initiate rehabilitation and relocation for villages willing to relocate entirely.
Addressing the villagers, he emphasized that the compensation must not be misused and advised them to purchase revenue land outside the forest to rebuild their lives. He also suggested depositing the funds in fixed deposits with bank guarantees to ensure financial security.
During the visit, the Minister interacted with women traversing the forest and enquired about their difficulties, particularly concerning the challenges posed by wild animals. He urged them to accept relocation for their safety and well-being.
Officials noted that several villages lose connectivity during the monsoon due to overflowing streams.
Earlier, on his way to Bhimgad, the Minister inspected the Mahadayi River and conducted a meeting with officials at the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary camp in Hemmadaaga.
The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Forest Force Head Brijesh Kumar Dikshit, Additional PCCF Kumar Pushkar, Belagavi Chief Conservator of Forests Manjunath Chauhan, Deputy Conservator of Forests Maria Christu Raj, Assistant Conservator of Forests Sunita Nimbargi, and other officials.
The habitations in Bhimgad include Kongala (63 families), Pastoli (36 families), Gavali (90 families), Abanala (81 families), Jamagaon (82 families), Hemmadaaga (128 families), Talevadi (13 families), Degav (31 families), Pali (73 families), Mendil (40 families), Krishnapura (12 families), Holda (7 families), and Amagaon (98 families). Together, these habitations are home to 1,530 men and 1,443 women.
