Bengaluru, May 30: Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre announced that action has been recommended against four officials, including two retired IAS and IFS officers and two serving IFS officers, in connection with the denotification of HMT forest land valued at over ₹14,000 crore.
In a press conference, Khandre stated, “Despite the land being classified as forest land under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and various Supreme Court judgments, it has been diverted for commercial purposes, with real estate companies constructing hundreds of flats and commercial activities being carried out. It’s alarming how this was allowed to happen.”
Khandre explained that the land is a valuable asset for 7 crore Kannaadigas and that the officials had applied for denotification without Cabinet approval or informing the then Forest Minister. “We have issued notices to four officials and recommended action to the Chief Minister,” he added.
The Minister dismissed allegations by Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests R. Gokul that the government was making him a scapegoat. “Gokul’s claim that he’s being targeted for taking action against MLAs in the Beli Kaere case is baseless. I had instructed the Additional Chief Secretary to take action against the officials who filed the affidavit without Cabinet approval,” Khandre said.
Khandre further stated that he had visited the HMT forest land and found that 280 acres of plantation still exist. “However, a false affidavit was filed in the Supreme Court claiming that the land had lost its forest character. It’s unacceptable for an officer to claim ignorance about the forest land’s status while seeking protection from the CBI.”
The Minister highlighted that a high-level committee was formed in 2015 to look into forest land in the possession of other institutions in Bengaluru. “Despite this, the officials didn’t bring it to the committee’s notice and filed an application for denotification without Cabinet approval. We have recommended suspension and inquiry against Gokul and another officer, and action against two retired officials,” Khandre added.
Khandre announced that the government aims to construct a large park in north Bengaluru on the HMT land, preserving a “lung space” for future generations. “We have withdrawn the affidavit from the Supreme Court and will proceed with constructing a park, which will benefit the public,” he said.
Key Points:
- Action recommended against four officials, including two retired IAS and IFS officers and two serving IFS officers
- HMT land valued at over ₹14,000 crore still classified as forest land
- Officials allegedly applied for denotification without Cabinet approval
- Government aims to construct a large park on the HMT land
- Affidavit withdrawn from the Supreme Court
