Karnataka Farmer Files Police Complaint Over Alleged Crop Destruction by Forest Department
A villager from Shivamogga district in Karnataka has lodged a formal complaint at the local police station against the state forest department's ongoing eviction drive. The incident highlights the escalating tensions between agricultural communities and conservation authorities in the region.
Details of the Complaint from Korlikoppa Village
Farmer Dakappa, residing in Korlikoppa village near Kundur within Barur gram panchayat limits, has accused staff attached to the Ambligola Range of the forest department of deliberately destroying his valuable arecanut and banana plantation. According to Dakappa, his family was granted three acres of land by the state government back in 1994, following which they have been actively engaged in agriculture on the property.
Despite possessing valid land documents and khata registration, the forest department has contested ownership, claiming the land belongs to them and even filing a case in 2022. Dakappa emphasized that while the matter remains pending in civil court, forest officials proceeded to allegedly destroy his crops without awaiting judicial resolution.
Police Response and Official Statements
Local police authorities confirmed they have recorded statements from the forest department officials involved and will submit a comprehensive report to the court for further action. When contacted for clarification, DCF Mohammed Fayajuddin stated he currently lacks specific information about this particular case, indicating potential communication gaps within departmental channels.
Broader Context: Eviction Fears in Sagar's Kattinakaru Village
Meanwhile, the situation extends beyond Korlikoppa, with numerous families in Sagar's Kattinakaru village expressing deep anxiety about potential eviction after receiving formal notices from the forest department. These families were originally displaced due to the Sharavathi dam project and now face renewed uncertainty.
In Kattinakaru village alone, 14 families are currently confronting eviction threats. Forest Minister Eshwara Khandre has publicly stated that encroachments under three acres with pending Forest Rights Act applications would not be cleared. However, farmers on the ground report feeling that these assurances remain largely unfulfilled, fueling distrust toward governmental promises.
Allegations of Political Manipulation and Official Stance
Farmers and local activists have raised serious allegations, suggesting that political forces might be exploiting environmental conservation narratives to systematically displace long-standing local residents. This perspective adds a layer of socio-political complexity to what appears as a straightforward land dispute.
DCF (Wildlife) Prasanna Krishna Patgar provided the forest department's official position, telling media that authorities are strictly following court orders to clear the reserve forest area. He categorically labeled the farmers as encroachers who are not entitled to any compensation, underscoring the department's commitment to legal and conservation mandates.
The ongoing conflict underscores the delicate balance between environmental protection and the rights of agricultural communities, with legal proceedings and police investigations now set to determine the next steps in this contentious issue.
