Home / Environment / Forest Land Encroachment: Zero Tolerance Policy Enforced
Forest Land Encroachment: Zero Tolerance Policy Enforced
25 May
Summary
- Forest Minister mandates clearing of encroachments after 2015.
- Families encroaching less than three acres for livelihood are exempt.
- Over two lakh acres of forest land were previously encroached.
The Forest Department in Karnataka has adopted a strict zero-tolerance stance against forest land encroachment, as directed by Minister Eshwar Khandre. Officials have been ordered to clear all encroachments that have occurred since 2015, ensuring no new illegal occupations take place.
It was noted that approximately 2 lakh acres of forest land were encroached upon before 2015. The government has made an exception for families who encroached on less than three acres for their livelihood, provided they have patta land, until alternative solutions are found. Encroachments exceeding three acres are to be cleared.
The department is also prioritizing cases pending declaration as reserve forest, with 55 cases covering 6,144.99 hectares in the Mangaluru Circle needing immediate attention. A joint survey of deemed forest lands in Udupi district is also underway.
Furthermore, measures are being implemented to prevent human-animal conflicts in areas like Puttur and Sullia. The Minister also commended the department for apprehending culprits involved in the poaching of a leopard and instructed ongoing checks on river water quality and the functionality of purification plants.
