Roadside plantation: Rs 2 crore fund misuse alleged in Haveri

Photo: The forest department's plantation was reportedly carried out during the summer. Between Kalledevaru-Budapanahalli, saplings were planted almost adjacent to the road and even directly under electrical linesHaveri: Serious allegations have surfaced against the territorial wing of the forest department in Haveri district over the alleged misuse of more than Rs 2 crore sanctioned under the Rural Roadside Plantation (RRP) scheme and the Karnataka Forest Development Fund (KFDF) for 2024–25.According to residents and activists, the funds were withdrawn for carrying out roadside plantation works across multiple taluks. However, in several locations, plantation activity was either not taken up as scheduled or commenced only after public objections were raised.The issue is reportedly more pronounced in Haveri and Byadagi taluks. Locals alleged that officials had drawn the sanctioned amount without initiating plantation work on the ground. Only after these allegations came to light was plantation work reportedly carried out hurriedly in certain stretches, particularly along the Kalledevar–Budapanahalli Road in Byadagi taluk.Concerns have also been raised over blatant technical violations. As per established norms, saplings used for plantation should be at least 5ft tall, with a minimum stem diameter of 1 inch. Additionally, pits must measure 3x3ft. Contrary to these guidelines, small saplings were allegedly planted in undersized pits.Official documents indicate that the forest department claimed to have completed plantation work under the RRP scheme along a total stretch of 241.5km. However, further suspicion has arisen over overlapping plantation claims. Plantation activity is permitted only once every 10 years in a given stretch. Yet, the Budapanahalli–Kalledevar road allegedly witnessed overlapping plantation over nearly 4km within a decade under the RRP scheme.When contacted, Haveri deputy conservator of forests Akshay Prakaskar gave a brief response, attributing sapling losses to inadequate rainfall. He stated that 80–90% of the plants had survived in Kaginele Park but did not respond to questions regarding the alleged violations of norms.Meanwhile, chief conservator of forests Vasant Reddy said, "I have instructed the DCF of Haveri division to examine all these issues and submit a detailed report."Activist alleges norms floutedSocial activist Praveen Mulimani alleged that the plantation works were carried out in violation of basic procedures. "Normally, plantation is undertaken in June with the onset of the monsoon to ensure a higher survival rate. In this case, the works were allegedly carried out during summer, only after public complaints. This raises suspicion that funds were first withdrawn and attempts were later made to demonstrate work on the ground," he claimed.Mulimani further alleged that even where plantation was undertaken, departmental guidelines were ignored. "Saplings should be planted at least 3m away from the tar road. However, in many places across Haveri district, saplings were planted almost adjacent to the road and even directly under electrical lines, posing safety risks and indicating a lack of planning," he alleged.He also alleged the involvement of higher-ranking officials, including assistant conservators of forests and DCFs, in what he described as a large-scale misuse of public funds.