Bhor, Rupesh Jadhav
Bhor taluka, nestled in the lush Sahyadri mountain range, is known for its rich natural beauty and dense greenery. However, this scenic landscape has increasingly drawn the attention of wealthy individuals who have reportedly purchased vast tracts of hill land. Due to the deliberate negligence of revenue and forest officials, illegal hill cutting and deforestation continue unchecked, putting the region’s ecological balance at risk.
In areas surrounding the Neera-Deoghar and Bhatghar dams, as well as along the highway, affluent buyers have allegedly acquired land from local farmers at throwaway prices. These buyers are said to be levelling hills and constructing luxury farmhouses and commercial sheds. Massive tree-cutting has been reported in Pasure, Velvande, and Hiradas Maval valleys, where riverbanks and dam-front areas have been extensively altered for private development. Despite such large-scale environmental destruction being visible to the public, forest officials—whose offices are located nearby—seem to remain oblivious, fueling public anger and suspicion.
Local residents allege that illegal excavation and tree-cutting operations are being carried out with the tacit support of officials and employees. Most of this activity reportedly takes place at night or during weekends, suggesting deliberate administrative indifference. The ongoing destruction of hills near the highway is said to have caused revenue losses worth crores to the government.
Fear of political connections prevents citizens from lodging complaints against those involved in these activities. Many of the perpetrators are believed to enjoy the backing of local political leaders, further discouraging action. Locals have demanded that elected representatives intervene and protect the region’s environment.
Attempts to contact Bhor Range Forest Officer Shivaji Raut for comment were unsuccessful.
“Uncontrolled deforestation and reckless hill-cutting in the name of development must be stopped immediately. Otherwise, the area could face disasters like the Malin landslide,” — Sagar Yadav, President, Bhor Taluka, National Republican Party
“We have already taken action against several cases of illegal excavation. Strict measures will continue against anyone found conducting digging or tree-cutting without proper permissions,” — Rajendra Najan, Tehsildar, Bhor Taluka
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