The forest department's relocation drive at Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary (BWS) in Khanapur taluk has hit a hurdle, as residents of Amagaon village have set several conditions before agreeing to move out.

About Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary
The Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Khanapur taluk of the Belagavi district in Karnataka, near the border with Goa. The sanctuary was established in 2011 and spans approximately 190 square kilometers in the Western Ghats. It is known for its diverse ecology, historical fort, and as a crucial habitat for endangered species. 

Wildlife and natural features

• Wroughton's Free-tailed Bat: The sanctuary is home to the Barapede Caves, which are the only known breeding grounds for this critically endangered species.
• Mammals: The forests are inhabited by a variety of animals, including tigers, leopards, gaur (Indian bison), sloth bears, sambar deer, and wild dogs. It also provides a vital tiger corridor connecting wildlife sanctuaries in Karnataka and Goa.
• Birds: A variety of birds can be seen, such as the Malabar grey hornbill, Malabar trogon, and Imperial pigeon.
• Forest and rivers: The sanctuary's forests are a mix of tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf types and grasslands, and they are the source of several rivers, including the Mhadei, Tillari, and Malaprabha. The Vajrapoha Falls are also located within the forest. 

Historical significance
Bhimgad Fort: The sanctuary is named after the Bhimgad Fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. The fort was constructed as a defensive outpost against the Portuguese and features large walls and freshwater ponds. 

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