Documentary makers fined Rs 2 lakh for shooting in reserve forest without permission

NAINITAL: A documentary film-maker was fined Rs 2 lakh by the state forest department for shooting in the reserve forest of Ramnagar without permission. Film-maker Ranjeet Singh, a resident of Mathura in UP, arrived in the reserve forest area with a team of nearly 20 people to shoot a documentary film.
Singh, who refused to speak on the matter, failed to obtain permission from the forest department and went ahead with local residents to shoot in the area.
“A team of the forest department on Friday found a group of 15-20 people shooting in and around Guzarish temple, which falls in Ramnagar forest division in Nainital district. Action has been initiated against them for entering without prior permission,” said Parag Madhukar Sakate, conservator of forests for Western Circle.
“Acting on a tip-off, the team reached the spot and asked the crew to produce documents required for permission. However, the team failed to do so, following which the fine was imposed and the equipment has been seized till inquiry concludes,” said Dhakate, adding that investigation in the matter is underway.