Last Updated:
Hundreds of trees allegedly cut on forestland for Yash-starrer ‘Toxic’; Environment Minister Khandre demands legal action.
Yash performs puja as he begins the shoot of ‘Toxic’.
Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has alleged that hundreds of trees were illegally cut down on forestland within the Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) premises in Peenya, Bengaluru, during the filming of Toxic, starring popular Kannada actor Yash. Following his visit to the site on Tuesday, Khandre instructed Forest Department officials to take immediate legal action against those involved in the tree-cutting.
Khandre pointed to satellite images showing the extensive tree-cutting on what he claims is forestland under HMT’s jurisdiction. “This is a serious violation. Hundreds of trees have been removed without permission, and we are seeking strict legal repercussions,” he said. The controversy has ignited a clash between the State government and the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries, with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy accusing the State of targeting HMT for political reasons. Kumaraswamy alleged that Khandre’s actions stem from a “vendetta” over his plans to revive the struggling HMT facility.
Khandre further alleged that HMT had illegally transferred forestland to various entities, both governmental and private, over the years. He claimed that non-forestry activities, including film shoots, have been conducted on this land, in violation of forest laws. “HMT is not only leasing the land to private entities but also renting forestland for film sets. In the case of Toxic, a massive set was erected on land reportedly sold to Canara Bank, leading to significant tree-cutting,” Khandre added.
The Environment Minister has demanded a thorough investigation to confirm if permissions were granted for the tree-cutting. “If any official authorised this without adhering to regulations, they will face disciplinary action. If there was no permission, then strict action will be taken against all parties involved,” he asserted.
In response, KVN Productions, the film’s production company, has denied any wrongdoing. Supreeth, the executive producer, clarified, “This is private property, and we have adhered to all legal requirements. We conducted a comprehensive survey in February 2024 and have submitted relevant documents. We await the Forest Department’s report and will challenge these claims if necessary.”
