Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed the state forest department to intensify efforts to remove encroachments from forest lands. In a recent review meeting, he emphasized the need to protect forest areas and biodiversity by clearing illegal occupations.
Focus on Encroachment Removal
Khandre instructed officials to identify and remove all encroachments across the state's forests. He stressed that encroachments not only degrade forest cover but also threaten wildlife habitats. The minister called for strict action against those responsible for illegal occupation of forest land.
Action Plan and Monitoring
The department has been asked to prepare a comprehensive action plan for systematic removal of encroachments. Regular monitoring and progress reports will be submitted to the minister's office. Khandre also highlighted the importance of using technology, such as satellite imagery, to detect encroachments.
He urged officials to work in coordination with revenue and police departments to ensure smooth execution of eviction drives. The minister warned that any negligence in duty would not be tolerated and directed senior officers to personally oversee operations in sensitive areas.
Khandre's directive comes amid growing concerns over deforestation and illegal land grabbing in Karnataka. The state has seen several high-profile cases of encroachment in reserved forests, leading to loss of green cover and increased human-animal conflict.
The minister also reviewed ongoing conservation projects and stressed the need for afforestation in degraded areas. He called for community participation in forest protection and suggested involving local villagers in monitoring activities.
