Eshwar B. Khandre, Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, has announced the formation of a task force to address encroachments in the Western Ghats and other forested areas. The task force will focus on illegal resorts, homestays, and unauthorized developments, and is led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
“Our initial focus will be on large-scale encroachments, particularly illegal resorts and homestays. All commercial activities harmful to the environment are prohibited,” stated Minister Khandre. “We will prioritize clearing encroachments established after 2015, especially those with completed legal proceedings under Section 64A.”
Various officers, including ACFs, DCFs, CFs, CCFs, and APCCFs, are authorized to handle encroachment cases and issue orders. They are instructed to expedite pending Section 64A cases by holding hearings twice a week. The task force will also collaborate with the Advocate General to accelerate court cases.
Minister Khandre also addressed issues of unscientific road construction in the Western Ghats, highlighting landslides caused by reckless hill-cutting during road expansion projects. Contractors and engineers involved have been notified of strict action. He pointed to recent landslides in Wayanad and Uttara Kannada, which resulted in significant loss of life and environmental damage, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures.