In a significant update on a long-pending environmental exercise, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has announced that the state has completed approximately 70% of the comprehensive survey to identify and demarcate 'deemed forests'. This massive undertaking is being carried out in strict adherence to directives from the Supreme Court of India.
What is the Deemed Forest Survey?
The concept of 'deemed forests' refers to land tracts that exhibit the characteristics of forests—such as a dense canopy of trees, biodiversity, and wildlife presence—but are not officially notified as 'reserved' or 'protected' forests in government records. These areas often fall under different land classifications, leading to ambiguity in their management and protection status.
The Supreme Court, in a landmark order, mandated all states to identify, record, and protect such deemed forests to prevent their diversion for non-forest purposes. For Karnataka, this has meant launching a detailed, district-by-district physical verification and mapping exercise to create a definitive record of these ecologically vital zones.
Progress and Statewide Implementation
Minister Eshwar Khandre, while addressing the media, confirmed that the survey work is progressing systematically across the state's districts. The work has been completed in 25 districts so far, with the remaining five districts currently under active survey. The minister expressed confidence that the entire exercise would be wrapped up soon, following which the final report would be submitted to the relevant authorities.
This survey is not merely an academic exercise. Its completion is crucial for providing clear guidelines on land use, settling disputes over land ownership and usage, and most importantly, ensuring the legal protection of these forest patches from encroachment and unauthorized development. The forest department teams are on the ground, physically verifying areas based on satellite imagery and local ecological knowledge.
Implications for Conservation and Development
The completion of the deemed forest survey holds profound implications for Karnataka's environmental policy and development planning. Once the survey is finalized and the areas are officially recorded, they will fall under the stringent regulations of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1986. This means any proposal to divert these lands for industrial, mining, or infrastructure projects will require central government clearance, ensuring a higher level of scrutiny and environmental oversight.
For conservationists, this is a welcome step towards plugging a legal loophole that has left many biodiverse areas vulnerable. For industries and project proponents, it brings much-needed clarity, reducing future legal conflicts over land status. The survey aims to strike a balance between essential ecological preservation and responsible development.
Minister Khandre emphasized the government's commitment to both environmental conservation and transparent governance. The move is seen as a critical step in implementing the Supreme Court's vision and strengthening Karnataka's framework for sustainable forest management. All eyes are now on the final report, which will shape the state's conservation strategy for decades to come.
