Haveri: In Haveri district, illegal encroachments have affected 3,683.4 acres of forest land, with over 2,375 individuals involved. Despite a directive from Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre to clear these illegal occupations, concerns persist regarding the lack of effective enforcement.
The encroachments, primarily for agricultural purposes, have exacerbated human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in areas adjacent to the Malenadu regions of Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada. The Forest Department is focusing on evictions reported after 2015, particularly those occupying more than three acres. Of the 143 encroachers documented, 683.4 acres have been seized, while 2,232 encroachers occupy less than three acres, totaling 2,952 acres.
Hirekerur taluk has the highest encroachment, with 2,608 acres converted for agriculture, followed by Haveri taluk with 587 acres. Environmentalist Prof NR Birasal has criticized forest officials for failing to evict encroachments in the Ranebennur Black Buck Sanctuary, despite Karnataka High Court orders. He attributed this inaction to potential political pressure.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Abdul Aziz Sheikh stated that efforts are underway to address the encroachments, with legal actions being pursued under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963.
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