Hubbali : Karnataka has witnessed a significant loss of approximately 25,767 acres of forest land due to encroachment between 2014 and 2023, despite strict legal measures in place.
The Kalaburagi circle, known for its minimal forest cover, faced the highest depletion, with 6,333 acres lost during this period. The Forest department attributes this loss to porous borders and a shortage of staff. Over the past decade, the department has filed 6,611 cases against encroachment.
Experts highlight that regions like Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Canara, Kodagu, and Hassan have reported substantial encroachment for cultivation purposes. Encroachment in Bengaluru, the largest forest circle in the state, is driven by both agricultural expansion and developmental activities.
Chikkamagaluru, renowned for its coffee estates and lush green mountains, has seen encroachment of 5,864 acres, particularly in the Koppa division, where 4,130 acres have been diverted for agriculture in the last decade.
Challenges in eviction efforts include prolonged legal processes and the state government’s decision to “rehabilitate” farmers with encroachments on less than three acres of forest land.
Praveen Bhargav, a former member of the National Board for Wildlife, notes the cyclical nature of encroachment despite court orders. He highlights the need for review, especially regarding claims under the Forest Rights Act, yet to be submitted by the Forest department to the Forest Survey of India as directed by the Supreme Court.
Brijesh Kumar Dikshit, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, acknowledges the department’s efforts in clearing encroachments but cites challenges such as time-consuming legal procedures and government policies favoring rehabilitation of small farmers. Staff shortages also contribute to higher encroachment rates in less forested areas.
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