Shivamogga/Sagar, October 21: Serious allegations of illegal encroachment have surfaced over a dense forest land in Survey No. 140 at Maluru village, under H.S. Bhog Gram Panchayat limits in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district. Residents of Kappaduru and Changolli villages have submitted a formal complaint to the Forest Department, demanding immediate intervention and a comprehensive investigation.
According to the complainants, a joint survey had previously been conducted by the Revenue and Forest Departments in the presence of local residents. During the exercise, agricultural lands belonging to farmers were demarcated separately, while the remaining area was identified as a protected forest tract reserved for common use, including grazing by village livestock.
Villagers have now alleged that an influential private individual is attempting to claim ownership of the land by exerting pressure on government officials. They claim the individual, a resident of Mastigatte in Hosanagara taluk, already owns several acres of land in Mastigatte and Kappaduru but is now trying to occupy the forest land with the intention of converting it into revenue land and subsequently selling it.
The complaint further alleges that the encroacher has already erected a barbed-wire fence and constructed a temporary shed on the disputed land, resulting in damage to the forest ecosystem. Villagers maintain that the area is ecologically sensitive and should remain protected from any form of encroachment or commercial exploitation.
Residents have also accused the authorities of failing to act despite receiving repeated complaints. They have expressed suspicion that undue financial influence may have contributed to the delay in enforcement action, though these allegations have not been independently verified.
In a separate representation, villagers have questioned the issuance of a property demand in the name of the private individual by the H.S. Bhog Gram Panchayat, alleging that it was issued in violation of established rules. They have urged the Gram Panchayat to revoke the demand pending a detailed inquiry.
Copies of the complaint have been submitted to Sagar MLA Gopalakrishna Belur, the Tahsildar of Sagar, the Deputy Commissioner of Shivamogga, the Range Forest Officer, and the District and Divisional Forest Officers, seeking a thorough investigation and immediate measures to safeguard the forest land.
The villagers have warned that if the authorities fail to initiate prompt action against the alleged encroachment, they will be compelled to launch an intensified public protest in the coming days.
Report by Amareshanna Kamanakeri, Editor
