Farmers protested against the large-scale cutting of trees on Kavalegudda mountain in Badal Ankalagi, Belagavi, Karnataka. They said the tree felling harms the environment and their livelihoods. The protest was led by Sri Basavalinga Avadhoot, seer of the Avadhoot muth, and members of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha. They accused Minister and local MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar of ordering tree cutting over 40 acres for a solar park. The seer said, "The felling of trees has been going on for 3-4 weeks now. We complained to local forest officials, but they did not stop it." He added that earth movers were used to cut down trees, including some sandalwood trees. Wildlife like peacocks, deer, and rabbits were also affected. "Forest officers, who do not allow farmers to cut trees in their backyard, have allowed big companies to destroy the tree cover on such a large area," he said. He also quoted HESCOM officers saying Minister Hebbalkar is investing in the solar park and has leased the land. "We are going on strike to protest this injustice," the seer stated. Deputy Conservator of Forests N. E. Kranti said he ordered a stop to the tree felling after hearing about it on February 1. "We have ordered an inquiry. Assistant Conservator of Forests, Belagavi has reached the spot and will submit a report. Any violation of law will be dealt with strictly," he told reporters. He added the land is reportedly gairan (public grazing) land owned by the Revenue Department. "The inquiry will check all claims," he said. Forest Department sources noted there is no rule against cutting trees in non-forest land in some dryer parts of Belagavi, including Badal Ankalagi. But if sandalwood trees or wildlife damage claims are found true, action will follow. Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar denied the allegations. "I have no information about the cutting of trees. I do not know why they are being cut either. I do not know of any new scheme sanctioned for the village. The allegations against me are false and baseless. I am the daughter of Badal Ankalagi. I will never do anything against its interest. I was in Bengaluru for two days. I will speak to local officers about the issue in detail," she said. Revenue Department sources said the district transferred about 40 acres to the State Energy Department on directions from central and state governments for solar units under the PMKUSUM scheme. The transfer was ordered on February 12, 2025. HESCOM has started work with contractors preparing the site. The order asks the user agency to pay ₹25,000 per acre as a right-of-user fee, to be revised after two years. However, it does not mention vegetation nor allow tree cutting for the solar unit. District in-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi said he will ask Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan to investigate the matter.