Excavators, heavy machinery used to clear forest land for grazing ground in Nugu, say activists

CHAMARAJANAGAR: Trees and shrubs of various species have been felled in more than 50 hectares of land using excavators and other heavy machinery in the Nugu forest zone of Bandipur tiger reserve to create a grazing groud.

As per the guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), heavy machinery should not be used in tiger reserves and only hand-held implements can be used. However, flouting this, excavators are being used to clear the forest land, some activists have alleged. A notice had earlier been issued to the range forest officer seeking explanation, they noted.

In 2024, 80 hectares in the region was earmarked for a grazing ground. However, without involving the local community or providing jobs to the villagers, heavy machinery is being used for clearing the forest while misusing funds, the activists noted.