Forest dept allows vehicle to Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills after stipulated hours, raises eyebrows

CHAMARAJANAGAR: The Forest Department staff, who are in the midst of a controversy after a movie crew from Kerala to shoot some scenes at the scenic Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills, may be looking at more trouble for allowing a vehicle atop the hill after stipulated hours.

A man seen handing over money to a forest staffer.

Private vehicles are allowed only up to the foot of the hills and government buses ferry pilgrims and tourists to Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills. As per norms, movement of all types of vehicles is restricted after 4.30 pm and the bus service is also suspended till the next morning.

However, the Forest Department staff allowed a vehicle belonging to the Lakkipura Aranya Eco Development Committee (EDC) after 4.30 pm on Friday, allegedly after taking money, with the staff accompanying the vehicle. The incident was captured on a mobile phone camera. The Himavad Gopalaswamy Hills is part of the Bandipur tiger reserve.

Reacting to the Malayalam film shoot, Deputy Commissoner Shilpa Nag said permission was taken from the Endowment Department, but the Revenue department was not kept in the loop. “No one approached us for permission. I have asked the tahsildar to file a report on who gave permission and which film was shot there”, she said.

Meanwhile, farmers have complained to the DC that the Forest Department has disregarded all rules and demanded action against the guilty officials. They have also warned of a massive protest in Gundlupet on April 15.