Belagavi: Forest department officials arrested a person in connection with the illegal felling of trees at Badal Ankalagi village in Belagavi taluk. The accused was produced before a court on Thursday, and remanded in judicial custody.In a release, deputy conservator of forests (DCF) Kranti NE said the 40 acres in Survey No. 359 was approved for the energy department to set up a solar power project under the PM-KUSUM scheme.
The release stated that Hescom officials from Hirebagewadi sought permission to cut trees in the area for the project. However, the forest department did not grant any clearance.“We registered a case for the illegal felling of trees, including sandalwood, on about 8 acres. An inquiry is under way. Action against other accused will be initiated after completion of the investigation,” the DCF said.Sources said the district administration leased the land to Hescom for 30 years in Feb 2025. The lease rent was fixed at Rs 25,000 per acre, with a 5% increase every 2 years.
