A delegation led by Captain Nitin Dhond, a key figure in the establishment of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, presented concerns to Forest Minister Shri Ishwar Khandre and District Minister Shri Satish Jarkiholi at Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. The meeting also included senior forest officials, district administration representatives, and local public representatives.
The group has conducted extensive field studies, data gathering, and research over 15 years (1997–2011), repeatedly submitting reports to the government to secure the declaration of this forest as a wildlife sanctuary.
The creation of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary aimed to ensure environmental and water security for Northern Karnataka, specifically the Khanapur and Belagavi regions. It also plays a crucial role in water security for the Hubli-Dharwad area, as Bhimgad contributes significantly to rainfall in the Khanapur forests. Approximately 80% of the water that fills Navaltirth Dam is sourced from this rainfall. Any harm to Bhimgad Sanctuary would reduce rainfall in Khanapur, thereby decreasing water availability at Navaltirth Dam.
Captain Dhond emphasized that diverting the Mahadayi River through the Kalsa Bhandara Dam within this sanctuary would severely impact rainfall in Khanapur and accelerate desertification in North Karnataka.
Also present during the memorandum submission were Nyla Coelho, Sujit Mulgund, Rajiv Toppanavar, and Geeta Sahu. The ministers received the memorandum along with the supporting research documents.
