How did forest officials allow widening of road in National Park without permission?
- Road widened in National Park at Malemahadeshwara Hill base without Wildlife Department’s permission.
- Local forest officials are involved in the illegal civil works.
- Road laying work is carried out within 1 km of the Range Forest office but officials are acting unaware.
- Animal lovers concerned about increased traffic on widened road harming wildlife.
FollowIn a shocking move, the road in the National Park, at the base of Malemahadeshvara Hill, Chamarajnagar district, has been widened, just 1 km away from the Range Forest office but the officials are feigning ignorance. It is evident that they are supporting it.
The 4.5 km road from Hanur to Ramapur via Ajjipura which was  6 metres in width has been widened to its double 12 metres.
As per the Wildlife Act, any laying of new road or widening the existing road is not allowed. If inevitable, it is essential to get prior permission from Forest Department and State Wildlife Department. The question is how did the Deputy Forest officer permit the widening of road without the mandatory permission from the department?
The Deputy Forest officer is ill-famous for inaction when it comes to checking poaching and  tree felling in the forest. The outer road of the National park, which has heavy traffic is in total bad condition. Instead of repairing that, why did he allow the road inside the National Park to be widened is a question the locals are asking.
Mahadeshwara Hill is a treasure trove of wildlife. There is heavy traffic of wild animals along the road. Many instances of animals meeting death due to accident are already reported. Now, the widening of road, resulting in increase traffic will definitely be detrimental to the wildlife and flora.
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