Weeks, after the Central Government defined the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) boundaries around Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Khanapur taluk, Belagavi district, enforcement lapses by forest officials, have sparked concern among conservationists. Despite a ban, drones were flown over the sanctuary, and videos of revelers partying at Vajrapoha Waterfalls have gone viral, raising serious security and environmental concerns.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) notified the ESZ, covering 11,413.2 hectares of forest and 525 hectares of revenue land. The Vajrapoha Waterfalls, a 200-meter cascade formed by the Mahadayi River, lies deep within the sanctuary, between Gavali and Chapoli villages. Although access to the site is officially restricted and requires a 6-7 km trek, young visitors continue to flock to the area on bikes and scooters.
The Centre’s guidelines prohibit polythene bags, drones, microlites, gliders, and parasailing in the sanctuary. However, drone footage of the region has been widely circulated on social media, allegedly by a conservationist from Khanapur. They added that the sanctuary can only be accessed via Gavali or Jamboti village, with no entry points from neighboring states.
Raghavendra, an RTI activist from Belagavi, criticized forest officials for their inaction, stating, “Trespassing and illegal activities persist in Bhimgad Sanctuary. Despite the Centre’s ban, drones with high-resolution cameras are being used to film the area. The government must launch a high-level investigation and hold negligent officials accountable for the damage caused to the region’s biodiversity.”
Chief Conservator of Forests (Belagavi Circle) Manjunath Chouhan denied allegations of leniency, asserting that measures are in place to restrict access. “We do not permit public activities at the waterfalls. However, stricter vigilance is needed, especially near the Goa border. We often coordinate with Goa’s forest officials to address trespassing and will intensify enforcement in the coming days,” he assured.
