Were Hundreds of Trees Cut Down in Bengaluru's HMT Layout for Yash's Movie Toxic?

Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has accused the filmmakers of Yash's movie Toxic of illegally cutting down hundreds of trees on forestland owned by Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) in Peenya.

During a site visit on Tuesday, Khandre instructed Forest officials to take immediate legal action against those responsible for the tree felling. "Satellite images clearly show that hundreds of trees have been illegally axed for the film on HMT's forestland," he stated.

This allegation intensifies the ongoing dispute between Khandre and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H. D. Kumaraswamy. Khandre has claimed that the state government intends to reclaim HMT land, arguing it was "illegally transferred" in the 1960s. In contrast, Kumaraswamy has accused the state government of engaging in "politics of vendetta" following his announcement to revive HMT.

Khandre further alleged that HMT has unlawfully sold forestland to various government and private entities, which has led to non-forestry activities in these areas. "It has come to our attention that HMT is renting out its forestland for film shoots and leasing vacant spaces. Recently, a large set for Toxic was erected on forestland reportedly sold to Canara Bank, resulting in the cutting of hundreds of trees and plants for several months of shooting. Cutting trees in forestland without legal permission is a punishable offense," he added.

He emphasized the need to verify whether the necessary permissions were granted. "If permissions were obtained, disciplinary action should be taken against the official who approved the tree-cutting on forestland. If no permission was granted, strict measures should be taken against all responsible parties for the illegal tree-felling," he stated.

Filmmakers deny charge

In response to the allegations, Suprith, executive producer of KVN Productions, which is producing Toxic, defended the production, told leading publication, "This is private property, and we have not violated any rules. We conducted a thorough examination of the property in February 2024 and completed the necessary documentation. We are awaiting a comprehensive report from the Forest Department to contest their claims."