Tensions have escalated in Kushalnagar taluk of Kodagu district, where residents of Sundernagar are up in arms against the state forest department. The dispute centers around the department's actions, which the villagers claim are obstructing development and threatening their homes by declaring the area a deemed forest.
Protest Over Fence Clearing and Development Halt
More than 80 families residing in Sundernagar, under the Kudumangaluru gram panchayat, have launched a protest. Their primary grievance is that the forest department initiated a drive to clear existing fencing near a local temple premises. The villagers allege this action is a direct obstruction to essential development work in their residential area.
The situation has left the community in a state of uncertainty. They claim the land's Record of Tenancy and Crops (RTC) has changed three times, creating confusion over its legal status. Initially classified as 'C' and 'D' land categories, the area has now been declared a 'deemed forest' by the authorities. This reclassification has effectively frozen all construction activities, including the building of new compound walls and houses.
Families Live in Fear of Eviction
The sudden shift in land usage has plunged the residents into anxiety. Over 80 families now find themselves in limbo, fearful that the new forest tag could lead to their eventual eviction. They argue that they have been living and developing the area for years, and the retrospective application of forest rules is unjust.
"We now live in fear of being evicted from our own homes," expressed the aggrieved villagers. Frustrated by the department's stance, they have cautioned that they will intensify their agitation and host a massive protest if their concerns are not addressed promptly.
Political Support and Official Stance
Adding political weight to the protest, former Madikeri MLA Appachu Ranjan visited the village. He strongly condemned the state government's approach, calling it unsystematic. Ranjan criticized Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre for implementing new rules in a haphazard manner, which he claims is causing undue hardship to the villagers.
"If it causes problems for the villagers, I will protest with the party workers in the coming days to enforce the previous rules," Ranjan asserted, pledging his support to the residents' cause.
On the other hand, forest officials maintained that their actions were strictly in line with departmental instructions. They reiterated that, as per the decision of the District Level Committee, no new houses or compound walls can be constructed in Sundernagar. The officials stated they are merely implementing the committee's directives and will continue to take necessary action to enforce the deemed forest status.
The standoff highlights the growing conflict between developmental needs of settled communities and environmental conservation efforts in Karnataka, leaving the residents of Sundernagar awaiting a resolution.
