Kelinja, Bantwal: Outrage swept through the region as members of the Karnataka State Farmers Association and Green Army staged a protest against the unauthorized felling of precious trees, including sandalwood, for a private power transmission project.

Demonstrators accused a private firm, contracted for the 400 KV Udupi-Kasaragod power line, of illegally clearing forested land in the Siri Chandan area within the Ballamale reserve. Key protest leaders, including Karnataka Farmers Association state secretary Manohar Shetty and local farmers Prakash Shetty, Ashok Kumar Shetty, and Sathish Kini, condemned the destruction, calling it a direct attack on both the ecosystem and their means of survival.

“Our land and livelihoods have been devastated without warning,” said Manohar Shetty. “This project isn’t just harming the environment—it’s putting poor farmers in distress.”

Protesters blocked the newly built access road to the tower site, demanding an immediate halt to deforestation. However, despite their resistance, the company—supported by police—repaired the road and resumed operations.

Activists have also accused politicians and officials of enabling the company’s actions, alleging a cover-up. Farmers are now demanding the restoration of lost trees and a full suspension of the project, fearing irreversible damage to both their land and the surrounding forest.