Realty firms selling plots in Western Ghats in the guise of plantations, DC orders notices

CHIKKAMAGALUR: Residential projects have sprung up right in the middle of the Bhadra tiger reserve under Jagara hobli in the Western Ghats, drawing the ire of environmentalists.

According to sources, real estate firms have converted 242 acres of forest land in Melina Huluvatti and Gonkal villages for residential projects in the ecosensitive zone. The sites are being planned to the sold to people from other states, the sources said.

The Western Ghats is home to different species of wildlife including elephants, tigers and leopards. The plots are proposed to be sold in the name of coffee plantations thought there is no provision for any construction activity within the ecosensitive zone, the sources said.

After the issue came to light, the Chikkamagalur deputy commissioner has ordered notices to six individuals and sought a reply from them in seven days.