Forest department reclaims 5 acres of encroached land

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: After a three-year legal process, the forest department has reclaimed 5 acres of land at BM Kaval in Kaggalipura, Bengaluru. The operation, conducted on May 23, was spearheaded by the Bengaluru City Deputy Conservator of Forests Ravindra Kumar.

Speaking to the media, Ravindra Kumar stated that the land located in survey number 92 of BM Kaval was retrieved from an encroacher named Venkatappa, in collaboration with the forest department and local police.

This action was prompted by a court order issued in 2021. Officials have indicated that the reclaimed land will be utilised for a tree plantation drive scheduled for June 5, to coincide with World Environment Day.

Manjunath J, honorary secretary of the Wilderness Club, an NGO, commended the forest department's efforts, noting that environmental activists have been advocating the protection of forest land in South Bengaluru for the past five years.

He attributed the encroachments to criminals and real estate agents while expressing his gratitude to Forest Minister Ishwar Khandre.