Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department has issued notices to four senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers for seeking denotification of forest land under HMT’s control without prior government approval. The land in Peenya, held by HMT, was claimed to have lost its forest character. The officers involved, including retired officials and current Forest Department staff, have been asked to explain their actions.
In 2020, the Chief Secretary had reviewed approvals for forest land use before 1980 and sought the Advocate General’s opinion for any denotification proposals. However, an interim application was filed in the Supreme Court without Cabinet notification, allegedly breaching the Karnataka Government Conduct of Business Rules.
The notices specifically questioned why the officers did not follow necessary regulations outlined in the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, which mandates government approval and a fee for non-forest use of land. The Forest Department has directed the officers to provide an explanation regarding the procedural lapses.
The case is significant as it touches upon the complexities of land-use regulations and the proper procedure for denotification of forest land.
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