The district administration’s efforts to relocate villagers living in Khanapur forest, Belagavi have hit a roadblock as the residents have rejected the proposal. Instead, the villagers plan to pressure the government to improve the facilities where they currently reside.
Acting on government directives, the administration has attempted to persuade the residents of 13 hamlets in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) to relocate. These 13 hamlets, home to 3,789 people, are plagued by inadequate road access, lack of schools, frequent wild animal threats to livestock and crops, human-animal conflicts, and restrictions on development due to the area’s forest status.
About six weeks ago, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan and Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled held a meeting in Talewadi, urging villagers to consider relocation for their safety and future welfare. Despite these efforts, villagers recently convened in Shiroli and collectively opposed the relocation plan. During this meeting, attended by hundreds from the 13 hamlets and led by Appu Gavakar, a 50-member committee was formed to strategize their next steps.
The villagers discussed key issues such as the lack of roads, electricity, schools, healthcare, and bus services. The committee resolved to pursue both legal action and public demonstrations to demand basic amenities in their current location. They also plan to bring their concerns to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union and state forest ministers, and relevant officials through letters. Additionally, the group is preparing to approach the Human Rights Commission and the National Green Tribunal for justice.
District Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that the government is prepared to rehabilitate residents from 15 hamlets, including 13 in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, provided at least 80% of families agree to the relocation plan.
