The Belgaum administration intends to relocate all villages and hamlets situated within forest areas of the district. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan has assured the residents that they will be consulted before any relocation efforts begin.
During a meeting with residents and officers from the forest and other departments at the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary near Khanapur on Saturday, he mentioned that families wishing to leave the sanctuary will be resettled according to government guidelines.
He noted that since these communities are living within protected forests and wildlife sanctuaries, officials are restricted in their ability to provide infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, and other amenities.
The Deputy Commissioner mentioned that if residents are willing to relocate, all necessary facilities and amenities will be promptly provided in line with government regulations. He reassured the villagers that all required work would commence without delay once they agree to the relocation.
He instructed forest officials to verify documents with the villagers and open a joint account under the names of the Deputy Commissioner and the member secretaries of the rehabilitation committee to ensure proper use of the government grants allocated for the rehabilitation process.
However, some villagers raised concerns, pointing out that the officers had not conducted a thorough survey, leading to the omission of several residents’ names from the list compiled by the forest officials.
Mr. Roshan assured that these issues would be addressed. The villagers requested that all families be provided with alternative land and housing. The Deputy Commissioner confirmed that these provisions would be made in accordance with the rehabilitation guidelines.
Superintendent of Police Bhima Shankar Guled, Deputy Conservator of Forest Maria Kristuraj, Assistant Conservator of Forest Sunita Nimbargi, Tahsildar Prakash Gaekwad, and other forest officials were present at the meeting.
