Illegal Tree Felling on Powerlifter’s Land Sparks Outrage in Katbelthoor

An alarming situation has emerged in the Katbelthoor grama panchayat area, where local authorities are accused of illegally cutting down trees on the property of Vishwanath Ganiga, an internationally renowned powerlifter.

Ganiga, a resident of Balikere within the Katbelthoor panchayat limits, reported that the grama panchayat felled 60 trees from his family’s land. Among these were cashew nut trees, which produced approximately 1.5 quintals of yield annually, along with jackfruit and other valuable species. The grama panchayat claimed that the tree removal was necessary to ease traffic for motorists.

Vishwanath’s father, Bhaskar Ganiga, has filed complaints with the Kandloor police station, the forest department, and the grama panchayat, but has received no response. Frustrated by the lack of action, Vishwanath Ganiga has warned that he will escalate the issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah if the situation is not addressed promptly.

The public has widely condemned the grama panchayat’s actions, particularly in light of the Ganiga family’s notable achievements. Many community members are urging the district administration to intervene and provide justice for the Ganiga family, emphasizing the importance of protecting both individual rights and the environment.

This incident has sparked a broader discussion about the need for transparent and lawful governance at the local level, as well as the preservation of valuable natural resources.