Karnataka Forest Department Cracks Down on Illegal Homestays and Resorts

In response to the devastating landslides in Shiruru, Uttara Kannada, and Wayanad, Kerala, the Karnataka forest department has mandated the removal of illegal homestays and resorts on encroached forest land across 10 districts in the Western Ghats. This directive, issued by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, requires the removal of these structures, which have been unlawfully established since 2015, and a report is to be submitted within a month.

The tourism department has revealed that over 2,000 homestays and resorts have been constructed in the Chadradrona hill ranges and other parts of the Malnad region in Chikkamagaluru district. While some are officially registered, many operate illegally despite multiple warnings from the district administration.

Former wildlife board member S Girijashankar has supported the government’s decision, criticizing the impact of these structures on the environment. He stated that the construction of homestays and resorts on hills and the use of water from natural sources in Shola forests contribute to landslides and water pollution.

Recent heavy rains in Malnad taluks have caused landslides on roads such as Mullayyanagiri, Bababudangiri, Charmadi Ghat, and the Sringeri-Mangaluru NH. Kalasa taluk has been cut off, and a landslip occurred near a house in Guddethota of Koppa taluk. Experts link these landslides to illegal construction and improper road widening.

In response to these incidents, Deputy Commissioner Meena Nagaraj has imposed a 15-day ban on vehicles and mini-buses on the state highway from Kaimara to Attigundi due to ongoing landslides.