Karnataka Minister Announces Task Force to Remove Encroachments in Forests and Western Ghats

Eshwar Khandre has directed the task force to take appropriate action to carry out forest encroachment clearance operations in the western ghats and other ghat areas. The task force, formed under the leadership of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, is set to begin operations immediately, according to a statement by the Minister. Khandre instructed the forest department’s additional chief secretary to issue orders for the removal of all forest encroachments that have occurred after 2015 in the western ghats region and to submit an action taken report within a month.

He pointed to the devastating landslides at Wayanad in Kerala and Shirur in Uttara Kannada district, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the situation in the western ghats region. Khandre warned of the disappearance of hills that have existed for thousands of years and the continuous occurrence of landslides. The Minister highlighted the importance of addressing pending 64A cases and expediting proceedings, emphasizing the need to take action against illegal resorts and homestays, as well as plantations and buildings that have encroached forests in the Ghat areas after 2015.

Khandre stressed the need to settle cases already in courts and to take action against contractors and engineers who have contributed to the unscientific cutting of hills during road expansion in the western ghats region. The Minister prioritized the preservation of the environment and emphasized the importance of accountability for those involved in commercial activities that encroach on the western ghats.