The deputy conservator of forest, Hassan division, has filed FOC No. 246/ 2021-22 against the proprietors of Stone Valley Resorts, Sakhleshpur for encroaching and destroying a reserve forest.
The forest department has charged Subhash Stephen, Santosh Stephen, R J Stephen and Daicy Stephen for encroachment and unauthorised entry into Section (4) declared forests. According to forest officers, the proprietors have build a resort and residential facility in Survey No. 92, Achhanahalli, Moikangudda.
According to senior forest officers, “Revenue officers have no authority to grant forest land. Supreme Court of India has reiterated this time again. But to no avail.”
“It should also be made known to everyone that no forest land granted by a revenue officer can be denotified. As such the encroached land remains as part of the reserve forest.”
Case studies.
*WP 202/1995 dated 12/12/ 1995,
Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India, where time and again Supreme Court has reiterated to evict encroachers and not to use any forest lands for non-forestry purposes without their knowledge and prior permission under Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.
It is baffling that the guests of Stone Valley Resorts have trespassed the reserve forest and conducted various activities.
Subhash Stephen is steadfast in his defense emphasizing that he had bought 5 acres and 24 guntas in Survey No 92 in 2015. Subsequently, he had purchased five acres in survey number 157/2 in 2017 and eight acres in survey number 153 in 2021.
“We have bought the properties and got approval from the revenue authorities,” said Mr. Subhash Stephen.
According to Mr. Stephen there are nine other resorts and private properties in the vicinity of his resort.
The deputy commissioner, Hassan, would be wise to call for a probe and discourage people from encroaching forest landscapes.
FB post of Joseph Hoover.
