Belagavi: For generations, the families of Talewadi village lived deep in the Bhimgad forest, coexisting with wildlife, relying on the forest for sustenance, and carrying heavy loads of groceries on their heads through narrow, muddy paths. In the rainy season, their village would virtually disappear from reach. But now, 27 families have voluntarily opted to relocate from the forest.Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B. Khandre on Friday distributed cheques to the families as part of the government’s relocation package.“During the monsoon, there is no access for transportation, and frequent crop damage caused by wild animals has made life difficult for villagers,” Nitesh, one of the beneficiaries of the relocation package, said. He said the rehabilitation project would greatly benefit Talevadi village, which has long been deprived of basic infrastructure. He added that the relocation scheme would open up opportunities for a better life, including access to education and healthcare. He urged the government to issue Displacement Certificates under the scheme, which would help beneficiaries qualify for government jobs, and also requested the allocation of alternative land to the relocated families.Nitesh and his neighbors are among the first to accept the Karnataka government’s voluntary relocation scheme. As part of the initiative, each family received Rs 10 lakh, and the cheque was handed over by Forest Minister Eshwar B. Khandre in Hemmadaga village of Khanapur taluk. They will receive an additional Rs 5 lakh once the relocation process is complete.The Bhimgad forest area is home to around 754 families across 13 villages. The 27 families from Talevadi are the first to step forward for relocation. Speaking at the event, Minister Khandre recalled how his previous visit to the region during the winter Assembly session had deeply affected him.“I stopped the car after seeing women carrying groceries on their heads through the forest. One woman told me her husband was killed by a tiger, while another said a bear attack left her husband permanently disabled. These stories moved me,” he said.Khandre stressed that while previous generations were adept at coexisting with wildlife, the current generation lacks such experience, making relocation a practical and safer alternative.“Forest dwellers play a crucial role in conservation alongside our forest staff. But in today’s modern era, living deep inside forests without basic facilities has become extremely difficult,” the Minister said.“There is no forced eviction here. These families have come forward on their own, and the government is only facilitating their transition into mainstream society,” he stated.Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who inaugurated the relocation program, termed it a “historic initiative” and lauded Khandre for his initiative. “The demand for relocation has existed for over two decades. Minister Khandre has shown great commitment and compassion in making this happen,” he said.Jarkiholi also emphasized the need to promote eco-tourism in Bhimgad on the lines of Nagarhole and Bandipur, and underlined the link between forest preservation and rainfall, and agriculture.“As part of the relocation event, the families who are voluntarily moving out of the forest expressed hopes for greater support. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre should extend additional assistance through the Forest Department,” he added.
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