In a determined operation against forest encroachment, the Karnataka Forest Department has reclaimed 43 acres of land illegally occupied near the Bhadra Tiger Reserve in Chikkamagaluru. The eviction, conducted on Tuesday, is considered one of the most significant in recent months.

According to officials, the encroachment occurred on survey number 43 in Kesavina Mane village under the Muttodi range. A coffee planter had unlawfully cultivated coffee plants on forest land, despite a case being filed during 2022–23 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Repeated directives to vacate the land were ignored by the encroacher.

The matter was recently heard in the court of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Shivarathreeshwara, who granted a month’s time for voluntary clearance. With no compliance, the Forest Department launched a full-scale eviction drive.

Over the past three days, officials removed extensive coffee plantations using tree-cutting machinery. The operation was spearheaded by DCF Pulkit Meena, ACF Shivarathreeshwara, and their team, under the supervision of Chikkamagaluru Circle Conservator Yashpal Kshirsagar.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre had earlier directed officials to intensify action against illegal occupants and resist political influence. Conservationists welcomed the move, stating the land recovery will bolster efforts to protect biodiversity in the Bhadra Tiger Reserve.