Minister announces Task Force To Clear All Encroachments In Karnataka Forests, Western Ghats

Eshwar Khandre has directed a task force, led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, to conduct forest encroachment clearance operations in the western ghats and other ghat areas. The Minister emphasized the urgency of this action, particularly in light of recent landslides in neighboring Kerala and Uttara Kannada district.

The Minister has specifically instructed the forest department to remove all forest encroachments that have emerged after 2015 in the western ghats region and submit an action taken report within a month. He highlighted the disappearance of hills that existed for thousands of years and the continuous occurrence of landslides in the western ghats region, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent further damage to the environment.

Clear instructions have been given to carry out clearance operations for all cases where the 64A process under the Karnataka Forest Act has been completed with regards to encroachments in the forests in the Ghat areas after 2015. Additionally, officers have been instructed to expedite the disposal of pending 64A cases and issue orders at the earliest.

The Minister also emphasized the need to settle cases already in courts, beginning with the vacation of illegal resorts and homestays built by encroaching forests, followed by the vacation of plantations and buildings. Eshwar Khandre stressed that those involved in commercial activities that encroach on the western ghats will not be allowed, as the damage caused to the environment by such activities cannot be offset.

The Minister also addressed the issue of unscientific cutting of hills during road upgradation and expansion in the western ghats region, stating that contractors and engineers carrying out such work have been given notice and directions have been issued to take action against them.