Forest official clears proposal for diversion of over 10 acres of forest land for Sigandoor temple activities in Shivamogga

The Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) of Shivamogga Wildlife Division has recommended the diversion of 4.19 hectares (10.35 acres) of forest land, part of the Sharavati Valley Lion-Tailed Macaque Sanctuary, at Bramanavada Kalasavalli village in Sagar taluk. The Sri Sigandoor Chowdamma Devi Temple trust, which manages the Sigandoor Chowdeshwari Temple, had submitted a proposal seeking the forest land for its activities.

Prasanna Krishna Patagar, DCF (Wildlife), inspected the site and, in his site inspection report dated March 25, 2026, stated, “The proposal may be considered for approval.” He said that the structures for which the land was sought “already existed”. The proposed development would generate employment and support locals. “The temple is a pilgrim site; thousands of devotees visit the temple daily," the report stated. Now, the proposal is pending before the nodal officer of Karnataka.

Ravi Kumar H.R. had submitted the proposal to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and also approached the State and national wildlife boards for recommendations. The trust sought the land for the development of the temple, guest houses, a toilet complex, a dining hall, residential quarters for staff, a parking area, a hotel, a shopping complex, and concrete roads.

Also read: Sigandoor temple trust seeks 4.19 hectares of forestland in sanctuary for its activities

History of location

The DCF, in his report, noted that the temple was originally located at Shiragalale village, about three kilometres from the present location. However, the place was submerged during the construction of Linganmakki Reservoir in 1963. Two years later, a small temple was built at the present location. Later, in February 1990, the temple structure was extended and consecrated under the leadership of S. Ramappa, trustee.

The temple has been mentioned in the records of Tumri Gram Panchayat since 1969–70. Earlier, it was situated on government (revenue) land, and it came under the sanctuary in 1974. Further, it was considered a deemed forest, as per the Supreme Court’s Godavarmana judgment that expanded the definition of “forest”. The components for which the diversion of forest land was sought have been developed since 1990, when the site was located at Soppina Betta in the jurisdiction of the Sagar territorial division. In 2016, it came under the Shivamogga Wildlife Division, the report stated.

Since 1990

When The Hindu contacted Mr. Patagar, the officer stated that he sent the report on the proposal after inspecting the site. “The structures for which the proposal was submitted have been in existence since 1990. The trust was in possession of the land well before the area became a deemed forest as per the court judgement. I have stated the facts in my report," he noted. With regard to a writ petition pending before the Karnataka High Court seeking the removal of encroachments, the officer said that he had cited the pending court case in his report and also reported the violations.

The applicant had sought forest clearance and wildlife clearance, as the land is located in the wildlife area. The State Wildlife Board, according to the DCF, has recommended the proposal for consideration, subject to the court’s verdict.