Karwar: According to wildlife activists, hundreds of trees in the main area of the Kumbharwada range in the Kali Tiger Reserve (KTR) Dandeli, Uttar Kannada District, have allegedly been chopped down by Forest Department officials to create grassland for wild animals.

Though the officials have denied the claim, the photographic and video evidence from two activists shows large-scale tree chopping at Gundali-Gayatri Gudda in KTR.

The activists who visited the location counted at least 200 trees cut down on the Gundali-Gayatri Gudda and suspect that more than 800 trees might be cut down on the other side of the hills.

According to sources, all senior Forest Department officials, including the main Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) and the vigilance department, have been notified. However, no steps are being made to prevent tree felling so far.

Due to the abundance of grass and fruit trees, Indian Gaur, chital, barking deer, and other wild animals visit this forest patch regularly.

Despite their queries, the activists were unable to get a clear reason for the tree felling.