The State government has issued rules to regulate development works around Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Belagavi district.

This follows Supreme Court directions on regulations in such eco sensitive zones and a circular by the State government to conduct a survey of all forest land across districts.

Forest and Revenue officials have completed a forest land survey in Belagavi district.

Among those surveyed is the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and villages surrounding it. They include Chikhale, Gavase, Chapoli, Amgaon, Gavali, Pastoli, Kabnali, Kangla, Nersa and Shiroli.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan has in a release said that special permission will be mandatory for any forest activity, including development work, commercial activity or construction project, in villages falling under the eco sensitive zone surrounding the sanctuary.

A committee under the chairmanship of the Regional Commissioner will monitor the work. Every proposal will be examined on a case-by-case basis.

No new construction, commercial project or development work can be taken up without prior approval from the committee.

The district administration has already relocated 25 families from Talewadi forest area and another 20 families have agreed to relocate.

Forest and Revenue officials are discussing the demand of around 100 families in Amagon village for farmland. Public grievance redressal meetings will be held in the affected villages, officers said.