Hundreds of trees cut on forestland for filming of ‘Toxic’, says Karnataka minister

Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has accused Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) of illegally cutting down hundreds of trees on forestland in Peenya during the filming of the Yash-starrer ‘Toxic’.
Khandre made the allegations after visiting the site on Tuesday and reviewing satellite images that purportedly showed the extent of deforestation.
Khandre said, “Hundreds of trees have been illegally cut down for the filming of the movie on forestland under HMT’s jurisdiction, which is visible in satellite images.” He has directed forest officials to take immediate legal action against those responsible for felling of trees.

Satellite images shared by Eshwar Khandre.

This incident comes amid ongoing tensions between Khandre and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy.
Khandre has indicated that the state government plans to reclaim HMT land, originally designated as forestland and allegedly “illegally transferred” to HMT in the 1960s.
Kumaraswamy has accused the state government of engaging in “politics of vendetta” following his announcements to revive HMT.
Khandre accused HMT of unlawfully selling forestland to various entities and individuals, facilitating non-forestry activities. He highlighted that HMT has been renting out forestland for film shoots and other commercial purposes.
“Recently, in the forestland reportedly sold to Canara Bank by HMT, a massive set was erected for the film Toxic and shooting was going on for several months,” he noted. “Cutting trees in forestland without legal permission is a punishable offence.”
In a letter addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary, Khandre raised concerns over 599 acres of forest land currently occupied by HMT, which was originally declared a reserved forest. He pointed out that the land was given to HMT without formal denotification, emphasising that “once a forest, always a forest unless denotified,” according to the Supreme Court’s ruling.
Khandre’s letter requested a comparison of satellite images to assess the deforestation extent and verify whether any permissions were granted for the tree cutting.
“If trees were cut without clearance, strict action should be taken against all responsible for the illegal tree-cutting,” he urged.