The office of the Khanapur Tahsildar is yet to conduct a proper inquiry, let alone take action against a resort which is stated to be operating without proper permission near Chikhale village of Khanapur taluk, within the Kanakumbi Territorial Range of Belagavi Forest Division and about a kilometre away from the boundary of the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The resort is reportedly continuing with its commercial operations despite notices by the Forest Department. As there was no proper response from the owners of the resort, the Deputy Conservator of Forests of Belagavi division had issued final notice to the former on May 21 and also requested the Tahsildar to take suitable action. However, even after two-and-half months, the Tahsildar's office is yet to take any action.
When contacted, Khanapur Tahsildar N.B. Patil said he was transferred to his present office only 45 days ago. However, on July 1 he had directed the Deputy Tahsildar to inquire and submit his report. He was still awaiting for the report, he said.
The issue came to light when a wildlife activist brought to the notice of the forest officials last year that the resort was carrying out commercial operations within the eco-sensitive zone of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and orders of the Supreme Court it is mandatory that non-forestry activities in wildlife habitats (within 10 km from Protect Areas) needed approval from the State and Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife.
The resort is situated within 2 km of the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary as observed by the DCF in his final notice. The final notice was in fact fourth notice to the owners of the resort asking the former to submit documents related to approvals for operating the resort. The DCF had also written letters to the Parwad Gram Panchayat on the issue.
