Greens oppose proposed wildlife safari in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary

Belagavi: The state govt's decision to open the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) in Khanapur for a wildlife safari has sparked controversy and is facing backlash from environmentalists.A couple of days ago, tourism minister HK Patil announced that the govt is soon going to start a wildlife safari in BWS. A total of 18 km stretch of the sanctuary would be used for the safari. According to the minister, it would be a game-changer in the tourism sector of Belagavi district.However, environmentalists are unhappy with the govt's decision to launch a wildlife safari in the extremely sensitive biodiversity spread over 19,042.5 hectares. This is a protected area and human entry is restricted here, as it is a habitat for several wildlife species, including tigers.More than 3,000 people live in 13 hamlets in BWS and have done so for many decades. This population has been living with great hardships without proper road connectivity, lack of schooling and health facilities, and other basic amenities. The central govt declared Bhimgad Forest a wildlife sanctuary in 2011, and since then, the forest department has restricted all developmental activities in the sanctuary.The decision of the govt to allow the wildlife safari has surprised environmentalists. "We, around seven environmentalists, held a meeting on Thursday and decided to oppose the govt's move of opening Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary for safari. This was unexpected on behalf of the govt. More surprising is how the forest department permitted it," said Retired Colonel and environmentalist Ravindra Saini, speaking to the TOI.Presently, the sanctuary is restricted to the public. If it is opened for the safari, public movement will begin on a large scale. It would also lead to commercial activities and the cutting of trees for making roads and creating basic facilities for the tourists. This development would directly affect the ecology and disturb the wildlife. "Better, the govt take its decision back. Otherwise, there would be no other option but to protest it," Saini said.
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