A forest fire is raging in Jyothipalya. | Photo credit: The Hindu
Social activist Shabnam Hashmi pointed out the frequent fires around Jyothipalya village in Magadi taluk of Bengaluru South district.
Ms. Hashmi, who runs Ajji’s Learning Centre, a non-profit educational trust based in Jyothipalya village, said there have been three cases of forest fires since February 24.
“At first I thought the fire was an accident or someone might have set fire to dry leaves. However, there have been two more fires and now it appears that they were not accidents but intentional,” she said.
Is it related to mining?
She claimed that the mining lobby could be behind the events to clean up the country. “These are huge fires and I think there is a concerted effort to start mining in the area. We also heard explosions during the night,” she added.
Ms. Hashmi said that due to forest fires and mining activities, wild animals are venturing out of the forest area and entering villages, posing a threat to both humans and livestock.
“Jyothipalya village is covered by forests on three sides. There have been cases of goats going missing. My nephew recently lost two dogs which were probably hunted by leopards,” claimed Ms. Hashmi.
She said that after the second fire on February 26, she raised the issue on social media along with pictures and alerted the Chief Minister, Environment Minister and Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru South District by X-marking their official handles.
“However, no one has responded. This is clearly a deliberate act by a vested lobby to clear land and destroy animal habitat; urgent action is needed,” she said.
“No Forest Floor”
Meanwhile, Ramakrishnappa M., Deputy Conservator of Forest, Bengaluru South District, said that there is no forest land in Jyothipalya village and that the reported cases of fire may have occurred on gomal (pasture land).
Published – 04 March 2026 21:32 IST
