Bengaluru: South Indian superstar Yash’s upcoming film Toxic has found itself in legal trouble following allegations of illegal tree felling on HMT land in Bengaluru. The Karnataka Forest Department has filed an FIR after accusations surfaced that hundreds of trees were cut down during the film’s shoot, allegedly violating environmental regulations. The FIR names KVN Productions, Canara Bank’s General Manager, and HMT’s General Manager as accused parties, marking the start of an inquiry with serious legal consequences.
Forest Minister’s Firm Response
Karnataka Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre, in a recent visit to the site, voiced his concerns regarding the environmental impact. He said, “The illegal felling of trees on the HMT land for Toxic has raised serious environmental issues.” Khandre emphasized his commitment to preserving the state’s forest cover and directed the Forest Department to proceed with strict legal action.
Satellite images reportedly captured changes in the area, supporting claims of significant vegetation loss. Khandre added that the Greater Bengaluru Municipal Corporation has also been informed and urged to take necessary actions, underlining the gravity of the situation. “Forests are our top priority, and we are not compromising,” he said.
ಎಚ್.ಎಂ.ಟಿ. ವಶದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಅರಣ್ಯ ಭೂಮಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ‘ಟಾಕ್ಸಿಕ್’ ಎಂಬ ಚಲನಚಿತ್ರದ ಚಿತ್ರೀಕರಣಕ್ಕಾಗಿ ನೂರಾರು ಮರಗಳನ್ನು ಅಕ್ರಮವಾಗಿ ಕಡಿದು ಹಾನಿಗೊಳಿಸಿರುವ ವಿಚಾರ ಗಂಭೀರ ಚಿಂತೆ ಮೂಡಿಸಿದೆ. ಸ್ಯಾಟೆಲೈಟ್ ಚಿತ್ರಗಳಿಂದ ಈ ಅಕ್ರಮ ಕೃತ್ಯವು ಸ್ಪಷ್ಟವಾಗಿ ಕಾಣುತ್ತಿದ್ದು, ಇಂದು ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ನಡೆಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ. ಈ ಅಕ್ರಮ ಕೃತ್ಯಕ್ಕೆ… pic.twitter.com/yrjHhG9kLA
— Eshwar Khandre (@eshwar_khandre) October 29, 2024
Union Minister Kumaraswamy’s Different Perspective
Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has countered Khandre’s allegations, arguing that the Forest Minister’s intervention is misplaced. He highlighted that the land in question had been transferred from HMT to Canara Bank in 2002, asserting that the area was no longer under HMT’s jurisdiction.
Kumaraswamy expressed dissatisfaction with Khandre’s handling of the matter, calling it a selective enforcement of forest laws. He said, “The Forest Minister is only focusing on HMT land, while large-scale encroachments are happening across various districts. We’re dealing with a legal dispute, not a publicity stunt.” Kumaraswamy also assured the public that his team would respond through legal channels and wait for the court’s judgment on the HMT land’s ownership and status.
Yash’s Toxic Under Scrutiny
As the legal battle unfolds, Yash’s Toxic has come under intense public and media scrutiny. The film’s team reportedly built a temporary set resembling a village on the land for filming purposes. Allegations of tree felling have led to protests and criticisms from environmentalists and residents, questioning if the filmmakers obtained proper permissions.
This controversy has sparked a debate on the environmental impact of film productions, especially in green spaces. The Toxic team has yet to make an official statement, but industry insiders speculate that further legal actions may delay production.
What’s Next?
The case against Toxic has stirred a complex discussion on land use, environmental preservation, and regulatory enforcement. As the investigation progresses, both sides have presented contrasting claims about the legality of the shoot. While Khandre stands firm on his environmental stance, Kumaraswamy’s comments add another layer to the issue, leaving the public and legal authorities to determine the future course of action.
The Toxic controversy highlights the challenges that major productions face regarding environmental responsibility, with both the state’s environment and Yash’s latest film now entangled in this legal web.
