Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
A serious concern has emerged as the Sarola forest under the regional forest division located near the city has been rapidly degrading over the past five years.
The forest, rich with trees such as teak, sonasavar, katesavar, kalamb, salai, shikekai, sagargota, shivan and dhaman, serves as a habitat for nearly 100 species of birds. Wild animals including blackbuck, nilgai, barking deer, leopard and porcupine are also found in the area. A large number of tourists visit the forest on weekends. However, many tourists reportedly enter the forest after consuming alcohol, cook food there, and leave behind plastic waste, leftover food and liquor bottles. The forest department has allegedly been overlooking the issue.
No to tree felling
Some residents from nearby villages appear to be using the forest as private property. Arrangements for liquor and non-vegetarian meals are reportedly being made for tourists. Local trees are felled for firewood and used for cooking. Grazing of cattle in the forest has reduced the availability of food for wild animals such as the nilgai.
Misuse leading to ecological degradation
Play equipment has been vandalised, and hillocks are being excavated for minor mineral extraction.
— Dr Kishor Pathak, honorary wildlife member
Penal action to follow
Legal action will be taken against those found involved in tree felling or organising parties in the restricted Sarola forest area. Visitors are urged to enjoy nature responsibly, and misconduct will not be tolerated.
— Sagar Kute, forest range officer
Photo caption:
Discarded food and plastic bags are found scattered around. In some places, makeshift stone stoves are set up for cooking, and empty liquor bottles are seen lying around. Felled trees are also visible in parts of the Sarola forest area.