Karnataka Forests Vanishing at Alarming Pace Amid Encroachment Crisis

The issue of forest encroachment across Karnataka has escalated into a major controversy, drawing the attention of the Central government. In the past year, the state has seen a staggering 1,385 new cases of illegal encroachment on forest land, according to the forest department's own annual report.

This alarming trend has continued unabated for the past 7-8 years, with 992 fresh encroachment cases recorded in 2022-23 as well. Conservationists have now formally complained to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, urging the Centre not to approve the state's draft working plans until all illegal encroachments are cleared and officials responsible are held accountable.

Despite directives from the Supreme Court and both the Union and state governments, the forest department has been accused of inaction in addressing the issue. Chief conservators and conservators have allegedly failed to monitor encroachments or assist field staff in eviction efforts.

The forest minister, however, has maintained a "zero tolerance" policy, claiming that there are no fresh cases and that the department has been cracking down on encroachments involving more than three acres. But the conservationist's complaint paints a different picture, highlighting the alarming rate at which Karnataka's precious forest cover is vanishing.