According to data presented in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Bengaluru urban district has lost more than 2,045 acres of its nearly 25,000 acres of forest land to encroachments. The figures reveal a concerning trend with 705 encroachment cases registered across all five ranges of the district.
The highest number of encroachment cases, 255, were reported from KR Puram range, followed closely by 244 cases from Kaggalipura range. Anekal range recorded 90 cases, Bengaluru range 84 cases, and Yelahanka range 32 cases. Among these, Kaggalipura range tops the list with over 945 acres of forest land yet to be reclaimed from illegal occupiers, followed by KR Puram with nearly 571 acres.
Wildlife conservationists and activists have criticized the forest department for what they perceive as a failure in duty. They point out lapses in beat guards and deputy range forest officers’ responsibilities to prevent encroachments and report any dereliction of duty promptly.
The Karnataka Forest Act, particularly Section 64A, outlines measures for the eviction of unauthorized occupants from forest lands, including provisions for forced eviction with police support. However, experts argue that these measures are often neglected, with delays in filing chargesheets and a lack of enforcement of guidelines.
Experts attribute the persistence of encroachments to a lack of accountability among forest department officials, noting a tendency towards promotions rather than disciplinary actions for negligence. They emphasize the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws and accountability measures to safeguard Bengaluru’s shrinking forest cover.
Key Points:
- Over 2,045 acres of forest land encroached in Bengaluru urban district.
- Highest number of cases in KR Puram and Kaggalipura ranges.
- Calls for accountability and disciplinary actions against negligent officials.
- Urgent need for stricter enforcement of forest protection laws.