Serious concerns have been flagged over continued illegal entry, irresponsible tourism, and alleged administrative negligence in the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, especially in the Vajrapoha Falls area. A detailed complaint has been submitted to senior forest officials seeking immediate action and accountability.
Wildlife conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni of Belagavi has lodged a complaint with PCCF (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden PC Ray, Regional Commissioner and ESZ Monitoring Committee chairperson Janaki KM, and Deputy Conservator of Forests NE Kranthi. The complaint states that despite the ESZ being officially notified on December 4, 2024, violations have continued unchecked even after several months.
Though Vajrapoha Falls is located outside the core sanctuary, it falls within the notified ESZ. Kulkarni has alleged that tourists are illegally entering the area through the Jamboti region of the Khanapur Range, using two-wheelers for part of the journey and trekking to the falls. Videos reportedly show visitors swimming in deep waters, lighting fires, cooking food, and engaging in recreational activities, endangering themselves and disturbing the fragile ecosystem.
The area forms part of an important wildlife corridor inhabited by tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and other species. Its rugged terrain makes unauthorised access both unlawful and hazardous. The complaint alleges a lack of effective enforcement by the assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Khanapur sub-division, and concerned range forest officers, citing failure to curb trespassing, book cases, or strengthen patrolling.
Kulkarni’s complaint also refers to alleged non-compliance with written directions issued by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre on January 16, 2025, following earlier incidents. The minister had ordered an inquiry into illegal entry, action against negligent staff, and penalties for trespassers. However, the complainant claims no substantial action was taken against officials or offenders, allowing such incidents to recur.
Referring to provisions of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963, and the Karnataka Forest Code, 1976, the complaint states that the ongoing violations point to dereliction of duty by field and supervisory staff. It calls for a comprehensive, time-bound inquiry into enforcement lapses, compliance with the minister’s directions, and accountability of the ACF and range forest officers responsible for safeguarding the ESZ.
The complainant has urged authorities to take urgent steps to protect the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad region and ensure that ESZ regulations are enforced in practice, not just on paper.
