Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre announced on Sunday the formation of a dedicated task force to address illegal encroachments in the state’s forests and Western Ghats regions. The newly established ‘Forests and Western Ghats Encroachment Clearance Task Force’ will target illegal resorts, home stays, and all forms of forest encroachments across the 10 districts encompassing the Western Ghats.
This task force will operate under the leadership of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, initiating its forest encroachment clearance operations immediately, Khandre stated in a press release.
On Friday, Khandre directed the additional chief secretary of the forest department to issue orders for the removal of all forest encroachments established after 2015 in the Western Ghats region. He also requested a detailed action report within a month.
Highlighting the severe consequences of such encroachments, Khandre referred to recent landslide tragedies in Wayanad, Kerala, and Shirur, Uttara Kannada district, which resulted in significant loss of life. He stressed the urgency of action to prevent further environmental degradation and protect future generations.
“There is no room for complacency. If we do not act now, the next generation will not forgive us,” Khandre emphasized. He has instructed the task force to prioritize clearing operations where the 64A process under the Karnataka Forest Act has been completed regarding post-2015 encroachments in the Ghat areas.
The task force will involve officers at various levels, including the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Conservator of Forests (CF), Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), and Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF). These officials are authorized to investigate encroachment cases and issue orders under Section 64A of the Karnataka Forest Act, which deals with forest land encroachments and eviction procedures.
To expedite the resolution of pending 64A cases, all officers above the rank of ACF have been instructed to conduct proceedings in their respective zones twice a week and issue orders promptly. Khandre also mentioned consulting the Advocate General to settle ongoing court cases related to encroachments.
The primary focus will be on vacating illegal resorts and home stays built by encroaching on forest land, followed by other unauthorized plantations and buildings. “All are equal before the law. Those who encroach on the Western Ghats for commercial activities will face strict action. The environmental damage caused by these activities cannot be ignored,” Khandre asserted.
The Minister also pointed out that unscientific road expansion practices in the Western Ghats, such as cutting hills at 90-degree angles, have exacerbated landslide occurrences. Notices and directions have been issued to contractors and engineers responsible for such work to take corrective actions.
