District Forest Officer Prashanth Baji Rao Patel said officials imposed a fine of ₹5 lakh on each group. The grazers had entered the Sirichelma Range, where their livestock damaged plantations and forest land.

Officials Act on Villagers' Alert

Acting on a tip-off from villagers on February 7, a forest team rushed to the spot. The team included the forest section officer, beat officer and base camp staff.

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When they reached the area, they found the accused camping inside plantation land. The grazers had set up temporary shelters. They were grazing livestock and lopping trees in adjoining forest areas.

Large Herds, Month-Long Stay Planned

During preliminary investigation, officials found that the accused had brought nearly 600 goats and five camels into the forest. They had already stayed inside for two to three days. Moreover, they planned to remain there for nearly a month.

Plantation and Grasslands Suffer Damage

The grazing severely damaged a 70-hectare plantation in the Sirichelma section. Authorities had developed this plantation after clearing encroachments.

Officials said the department had spent around ₹85 lakh to raise the plantation. In addition, maintenance costs pushed the total investment to over ₹1.25 crore.

However, around 600 goats grazed extensively in the area. They lopped trees, ate sapling tips and stunted plant growth. As a result, parts of the plantation may fail.

The grazing also damaged grasslands. The department had developed these grasslands to improve herbivore populations and strengthen the prey base for tigers.

Accused Identified as Repeat Offenders

Officials identified the accused as Jadhav Karan Singh, son of Kara Singh, and Jadhav Rama, son of Kishan. Both belong to Gujarat.

Authorities arrested them along with their herds. The livestock's market value exceeds ₹1.5 crore. Furthermore, officials confirmed that both men are repeat offenders.

Cases Compounded, Fine Collected

Forest staff registered preliminary offence reports and conducted panchanama proceedings. Subsequently, the competent authority compounded the cases.

Officials collected ₹5 lakh from each accused, totalling ₹10 lakh. They described this as the minimum compoundable amount under the law. The department issued receipts and deposited the money into government accounts.

Public Asked to Report Forest Offences

Meanwhile, the forest department urged citizens to report illegal grazing and other forest offences. Such violations attract punishment under the Forest Act, including imprisonment of up to three years.

Officials asked the public to share information through the toll-free numbers 1926 or 8004255364.