Shivamogga district’s famous teakwood groves, notably those in the historic Doddamatti region within Ayanur forest range, Kumsi hobli, are grappling with rampant illegal logging and smuggling. According to DCF (Territorial) Shivashankar, authorities have booked nearly 12 cases of illicit tree cutting between June 2024 and February 2025.
The area, once known for manganese mining, was rejuvenated into dense greenery in the 1990s along the Kumudvathi river’s banks. Spanning more than 4,000 hectares, it now shelters diverse wildlife including leopards, wild boars, and spotted deer. Approximately 60 families reside around 6 km off the Shivamogga-Sagar highway, amidst this ecologically rich zone.
Environmental groups have raised alarms over the uptick in teakwood theft. Despite a dedicated checkpoint stationed at the Doddimatti entrance, the forest’s surveillance remains insufficient. Numerous small access roads and private routes from nearby villages make patrolling difficult.
DCF Shivashankar pointed out that human habitation nearby prevents enforcing a complete restriction on entry. Though annual sapling plantations are undertaken, recurring wildfires near settlements damage large patches of vegetation.
Chirag, representing the Rain Land Trust NGO, remarked that older village residents aren’t the culprits but timber trafficking continues unchecked. He highlighted past incidents where logs were floated down the Kumudvathi river and called for bolstering forest staff strength.
Adding to the complexity, around 300 local voters regularly boycott elections, demanding better amenities. Expanding infrastructure projects, along with recent elephant movements, further endanger this fragile forest stretch.
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