Green Minute News:
Inquiry has been ordered into “forest land” purchase by Ajai Giri of Agumbe Rainforest Research Station (ARRS). On Tuesday, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre directed a probe into the “land deal of 2.37 acres and also allegations of commercial and tourism activity” inside the Someshwara Sanctuary.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre further directed the Karnataka Forest Department to initiate action against those forest officials who are involved in this alleged land deal and ongoing commercial and tourism activities under the guise of Kalinga snake conservation.
This swift action is based on two complaints filed by Sagar based environmentalist Akhilesh Chipli and social activist Dinesh Kalahalli on the reported “illegal purchase of 2.37 acres of forest land” in Someshwara Sanctuary. The forest land falls in Survey Number: 11, Someshwara Sanctuary, Agumbe Hobli, Tirthahalli taluk, Shivamogga District, Karnataka.
Both the complainants have also cited illegal land deals by ARRS and a series of violations committed and requested the Forest Minister to take immediate action.
According to Akhilesh Chipli, the endangered Kalinga snakes, a Schedule-1 species are found in the Agumbe rainforests (part of Western Ghats) and they have lived in perfect harmony with humans for centuries. Research of the species can be done but under this guise, one should not be allowed to capture Kalinga snake, release them, and disturb the nests with eggs in the forests.
Chipli adds, “There have been no cases of people being bitten by Kalinga snake. And the ongoing activities of catching Kalinga snake, bringing their eggs to incubators in research centres in the name of snake conservation is not acceptable. Why is this happening when there is no Kalinga-human conflict in this part of Western Ghats?”
Further, over the past many years, commercial activities in the name of Kalinga snake conservation have been increasing and this is happening in a big way in Someshwara forests, he opines.
Dinesh Kalahalli adds, “Everyone knows that Ajay Giri, who is currently with ARRS, has purchased 2.37 acres of land in Agumbe Reserve Forest area. This said area is located in the dense forests of Someshwara Sanctuary.
“Further, this is a unique Myristica Swamps which is a vital source of water in these regions. There is no human settlement or public movement in the surrounding area while the ARRS staff in the name of research, conservation and snake tourism have been disturbing the rain forest habitat for years together.”
Apart from this, the complainants have stated that ARRS is a private organization and has illegally constructed buildings in the name of research and also bringing awareness about Kalinga snakes to the people.
Thereby, they have violated the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) as Kalinga snake is a Schedule-1 species. “There are two buildings in the Someshwara forest area which should be vacated as their staff are directly entering the reserve forest area.”
Akhilesh Chipli states, “Searching for snakes and its nests every day is disturbing the unique Kalinga snake habitat. Thousands of tourists and wildlife photographers who come here are allowed to enter inside the forest even as Kalinga snakes are displayed. Using intense flashlights, they have been doing videos and photo shoots. This has increased their income. Recently three baby snakes after hatching in the incubator died due to filming under intense lighting conditions.”
Kalahalli further says on their social media accounts, they post photos and videos on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, websites and also in international films. In fact, local people say wildlife photography, illegal sanctuary entry and other promotional activities are going on in the name of conservation. It is shocking that such activities have not come to the notice of the Karnataka Forest Department?”
A Mahindra Thar jeep with the nameplate of Agumbe Rainforest Research Station is roaming everywhere in the forests. The complaint letter to the Forest Minister says, “This is Ajay Giri’s vehicle and he is roaming around illegally with a nameplate on the jeep, which is no less than that of any forest officer. As per Motor Vehicles Act, this is a violation of the law. They have violated the traffic laws/rules and have written “Agumbe Rainforest Research Centre” in green on their vehicle. The vehicle was purchased in 2024. The said land has been purchased as part of expanding their illegal activities in Someshwar Sanctuary in the future.”
Therefore, the Karnataka Forest Department should take action to protect the wildlife here by confiscating the said land, which was purchased illegally and violating existing laws, both the complainants stress.
Speaking to Green Minute, Kalahalli said in the name of environmental research, people have purchased lands inside the Someshwara Sanctuary, in an ecologically sensitive zone, and are embarking on illegal activities and backdoor tourism. This is a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act and is a hindrance to wildlife conservation. Such developments will hinder the rehabilitation plan for local settlers.”
He adds, “Forest officials are sending the local people out while getting help from foreign NGOs, and allowing them to come and do anything in the forest. Senior forest officials do not even have any information about what is really happening here. They threaten the lower-level forest staff. Due to this, all non-forest activities are going on with a vengeance.”
Appropriate legal action should be taken against the violators immediately so that Kalinga snake species does not become a tourist wonder in this part of the Western Ghats.
Further, a survey should be conducted and all forest encroachments, illegal activities in the Someshwar Sanctuary should be removed, both Chipli and Kalahalli conclude.