The proposed move to acquire revenue land from farmers to secure wildlife corridor has been welcomed by conservationists. However, they hint at contradiction of purpose by the Forest Department which has permitted construction of private resorts close to the corridors and are a disturbance to the elephant movements.
“The authorities contemplate land acquisition from farmers in the eco-sensitive zone of Bandipur. But at the same time permission is issued for private players to construct massive structures –ostensibly said to be for personal use – without ascertaining their objectives”, according to a wildlife activist. He cited the example of a private construction at Bargikatte that links Mudumalai and is an important corridor. The sheer size of the construction makes one suspect it was meant for commercial use, said the activist. While private constructions for personal use are permitted in the eco-sensitive zones, they cannot be used for commercial activity. However, most constructions permitted for personal use, are gradually put to commercial use, he added.
