Bhawanipatna/Koksara: Even as outsiders have started making preparations for illegal maize cultivations in Sahajkhol reserve forest under Dharmagarh forest range in Kalahandi district, forest officials have turned a blind eye to the wrongdoings, a report said.
Reports said the mafia has taken over large tracts of land in the reserve forest and has been growing maize after felling a number of trees. It is alleged that forest officials though aware of the matter have done nothing to check this illegal cultivation.
As a result, the forest has lost its green cover. The mafia is also accused of killing wild animals while clearing the forest land for cultivation.
It is alleged that hundreds of acres of land in Kandagarh, Kuturu, Birimuhan, Sargiguda, Khaligad beats under Behera and Amapani forest sections of Dharmagarh forest range have lost their green cover due to illegal maize cultivation.
Sources said the mafia comprising some Bengali speaking people from Umerkote and private moneylenders from Maidalpur, Papadahandi, Jharigaon, Chandahandi areas in Nabarangpur district have connived to take up this illegal cultivation.
They are engaging tribal people who have migrated from Rayagada, Kalyanpur, Kashipur and Nabarangpur and settled down in the remote Gaibandha, Tirliama, Andhijharan, Kadomali, Sargipani, Lekama Chhakapada regions inside the reserve forest.
Currently, the tribals were seen sowing seeds after preparing the land for cultivation. However, the forest officials have not taken any action against such illegal cultivation.
These tribals earn their livelihood through shifting cultivation and by growing maize for which they clear large tracts of land every year inside the forest. The mafia makes hay from maize cultivation by engaging these tribals.
As a result, large parts of the forest have become denuded which were earlier filled with lush green cover and valuable timbers. Local residents have urged the forest official to take action against the illegal cultivation otherwise the day is not far when the forest will lose its green cover forever.
PNN