In a notable decision, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) – Wildlife, with the approval of PCCF (HoFF), has recently instructed the Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) in Belgaum Circle to transfer the management of the Hemmadaga Nature Camp in Bhimgad Sanctuary from Jungle Lodges and Resorts (JLR) back to the Forest Department in the Khanapur region of Belgaum district.
This action comes after wildlife advocate Giridhar Kulkarni proposed to Brijesh Kumar Dixit, PCCF (HoFF), and Subhash Malkhede, PCCF (Wildlife) in May 2022. Mr. Kulkarni suggested that the management of the Nature Camp should be returned to the Forest Department, with the involvement of the Hemmadaga Eco Development Committee, citing various reasons.
Following this, Vithal Halgekar, the MLA representing Khanapur, backed the proposal by sending a letter to Eshwar Khandre, the Forest Minister, endorsing the transition in management.
There were some delays in the decision-making process. While visiting Belgaum Zoo in December 2023, Minister Khandre verbally instructed Manjunath Chavan, CCF of Belgaum Circle, to promptly submit recommendations for the handover.
Ultimately, on March 11, 2024, the PCCF (Wildlife) officially issued the directive for the CCF of Belgaum Circle to initiate the transfer of the nature camp from JLR to the Forest Department.
