Bangalore, India — In a significant environmental controversy, Karnataka’s Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has leveled serious accusations against film producers for allegedly cutting down hundreds of trees on forestland within the premises of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) in Peenya, Bangalore, for the filming of the movie “Toxic,” starring the popular actor Yash. This development has not only raised ecological concerns but has also sparked a political confrontation between state and central government officials.
Satellite imagery reportedly reveals the stark outcome of the forestland transformation, where expansive film sets have replaced the once dense canopy of trees. Minister Khandre, who personally inspected the site, stated that immediate legal action would be taken against those responsible for the unauthorized deforestation, emphasizing the illegality of cutting trees on designated forestland for non-forestry activities.
The reverberations of this environmental issue are not confined to ecological circles alone; they come amidst an ongoing dispute between Minister Khandre and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy. The core of their disagreement revolves around the ownership and land use of the HMT property. Mr. Khandre has accused HMT of possessing this forestland through what he calls an “illegal transfer” dating back to the 1960s. He expressed that the Karnataka government intends to reclaim this land as part of its forest preservation efforts.
In a provocative response, Union Minister Kumaraswamy has criticized state officials for what he termed as “politics of vendetta.” He argues that the state government’s actions were driven by ulterior motives, particularly because of his intentions to revive the ailing HMT. This political exchange highlights the complex intertwining of environmental conservation and industrial interests, further complicating the resolution of the allegations.
Elaborating on the alleged misuse of forestland, Mr.
. Khandre accused HMT of selling portions of this land to various government bodies and private entities, where activities unrelated to forestry are being conducted. Recent developments in the area have reportedly included leasing out land for film shoots and other purposes. This particular incident involves land allegedly sold to Canara Bank, upon which a massive film set was constructed for “Toxic.” Mr. Khandre declared the illegal clearance of trees on such land a severe violation, demanding whether permission had been granted for the tree-cutting, and if so, calling for disciplinary actions against any officials involved in granting such permissions without due process.
In response to the serious allegations, Supreeth, the executive producer for KVN Productions who is responsible for producing the film “Toxic,” has issued a statement refuting the claims. According to Supreeth, the plot where the film set was constructed is a private property, and no rules have been violated in the course of setting up the film shoot. Asserting that all due diligence and documentation were completed as early as February 2024, he stated the production house’s readiness to contest the Forest Department’s claims pending the full release of the report from the concerned authorities.
As the legal and political tussle unfolds, this incident highlights the significant tension between development activities, cultural industries like cinema, and environmental conservation efforts. The controversy also points to larger, unresolved issues relating to land use regulations and the mechanisms by which industrial properties can encroach upon or utilize ecologically sensitive areas. Stakeholders from various sectors, including environmental experts, political analysts, and film industry insiders, continue to scrutinize this situation as it develops.
This incident, given its prominence and the public figures involved, is certain to draw widespread attention to the state of Karnataka’s environmental governance and regulatory compliance. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges that arise in balancing industrial progress and environmental sustainability, a theme that resonates not just in Karnataka but across India and the broader world. As investigations proceed, the outcome will likely influence future policy-making and enforcement relating to forestland management and development rights.
