Task Force To Clear Encroachments In Karnataka Forests and Western Ghats: Minister

Eshwar Khandre, in a statement, announced that a task force led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force has been instructed to begin forest encroachment clearance operations in the western ghats and other ghat areas immediately. This decision follows Eshwar Khandre’s directive to the forest department’s additional chief secretary to issue orders for the removal of all forest encroachments that have appeared after 2015 in the western ghats region, with a requirement to submit an action taken report within a month. Referring to recent landslides at Wayanad in Kerala and Shirur in Uttara Kannada district, Eshwar Khandre emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the disappearance of hills and ongoing landslides in the western ghats region.

He stressed the need to act swiftly to prevent further tragedies. Furthermore, Eshwar Khandre specified that the task force is authorized to carry out clearance operations for cases where the 64A process has been completed in relation to post-2015 encroachments in the Ghat areas. Under section 64A of the Karnataka Forest Act, forest officials are empowered to handle encroachment cases and issue orders, with instructions for expeditious disposal of pending 64A cases.

Eshwar Khandre emphasized that illegal resorts and homestays built through forest encroachments will be vacated first, followed by plantations and buildings. Additionally, the Minister highlighted the detrimental effects of unscientific road construction in the western ghats, noting that contractors and engineers responsible for such work have also been put on notice, with directions to take appropriate action against them. Eshwar Khandre made it clear that encroachment in the western ghats will not be tolerated, emphasizing the need to address environmental damage caused by commercial activities.

Furthermore, he instructed the task force to consult with the Advocate General to resolve encroachment cases currently in the courts. It is noteworthy that this story has not been modified by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.