Now, Yeddyurappa to protect Basanti

A day after JD (S) working president H D Kumaraswamy's decision to protest building of resort on stretch where Sholay was shot, CM says he will not allow construction on forest land. B V Shiva Shankar reports

A day after JD (S) working president H D Kumaraswamy's decision to protest building of resort on stretch where Sholay was shot, CM says he will not allow construction on forest land. B V Shiva Shankar reports

Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa broke his silence over the Ramgadh Resort issue yesterday.

He said he would see to it that the stretch of forestland where Bollywood classic Sholay was shot would not fall into the hands of land sharks.
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The land, which is in possession of Anantara Hospitality, a private developer, is being developed into Sholay-themed resort despite strong opposition from the Forest Department, which has consistently opposed the development on the grounds that it is woodland.
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The hillock was shown as the den of villain Gabbar Singh in the film that was shot here 35 years ago.

In a press conference, yesterday, he explained his plans to take possession of government land in and around the city encroached by powerful real estate elements.

When Ramgadh issue was brought in to his notice, he said, "This government is committed to protect heritage and wild life." He appeared shocked when he was informed that the resort developers had the support of Home Minister V S Acharya.u00a0

This, despite the fact that the construction would disturb natural habitat of sloths and long billed vultures in the area.

"Yesterday I called a meeting of forest officials," said Yeddyurappa. "They did not discuss this with me. Now that you have brought it my notice and I will ensure proper action is taken."

On former chief minister and JD (S) state working president H D Kumaraswamy's plans to stage protest on the spot, Yeddyurappa, said, "I don't bother who is protesting and who is supporting whom.
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While I will not allow land sharks to grab forest land, I don't see why the issue should be politicised."

'Save The Vultures'

The hillocks on the site are a natural habitat for rare big-billed vulture. According Deepak Arya, a wild life activist, there were around 2,000 vultures a few years ago. The number has come down to 11. There is a proposal to develop a vulture sanctuary. "We are working on the details of the project. If everything goes well, the sanctuary will be developed shortly," said a forest officer.