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Karnataka forest dept removes encroachments in Bengaluru; 120 acres reclaimed at Kadugodi plantation, land worth Rs 4,000 crore secured
The Karnataka Forest Department reclaimed 120 acres of encroached forest land at Kadugodi Plantation in Bengaluru, valued at Rs 4,000 crore
BENGALURU: The Karnataka Forest Department on Monday reclaimed 120 acres of encroached forest land at the Kadugodi Plantation in the Bengaluru East taluk, as part of a day-long eviction drive conducted under tight security provided by KR Puram police.
According to forest officials, the operation was carried out on instructions from Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre. "We identified 120 acres of forest land encroached in the Kadugodi plantation, located in Bidarahalli hobli of Bengaluru East taluk. After securing the necessary clearances, the eviction drive began in the morning and successfully reclaimed land worth approximately Rs 4,000 crore," said a senior official from the Bengaluru Division.
The recovered land has been fenced to prevent future encroachments. The department has also started planting native tree species on the site.
"During a recent review meeting, the minister directed us to clear forest encroachments around Bengaluru and develop green lung spaces for the growing city," the official added.
248 acres recovered in two years
Monday's drive marked a significant achievement for the Bengaluru Urban Forest Division, which has now recovered a total of 248 acres of forest land over the past two years.
'We have zero tolerance towards encroachment of forest areas, especially in and around Bengaluru,' said Minister Eshwar Khandre.
'Given the rising pollution levels, Bengaluru urgently needs large green spaces to ensure clean air. Since May 2023, we had recovered 128 acres, and with the latest 120 acres added, the total reclaimed land stands at 248 acres, valued at over Rs 8,000 crore.'
