Forest dept lays claim to land allotted for court near Turahalli

After convincing the BMRCL to change its mind on building a Metro depot in UM Kaval, the Forest Department is now trying to reclaim another piece of land in Turahalli reserve forest that was allotted by the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner for construction of a court complex.

In a letter to the deputy commissioner in early May, Dipika Bajpai, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Urban division, has asked for return of 10 acres of land in Survey No 22 in Mylasandra village, Kengeri hobli, Bengaluru South taluk, which falls under Turahalli reserve forest. The land has been handed over to the Judicial Department for construction of a court complex.

In the letter, Bajpai stated that no prior permission had been taken for allotment of the forest land and that it was a violation of Rule 41(1) of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969. Rule 41(1) clearly states that any wooded land within the 100-metre buffer zone of any revenue forest cannot be allotted for non-forestry purposes unless the deputy conservator of forests concerned gives concurrence.

“The Revenue Department has no right to allot land to anyone without the approval of the Forest Department. Thus the order dated February 9, 2017, number LND(S) CR-402/2016-17 of the DC granting land to the Judicial Department is a violation of forest rules. It is also a violation of the Supreme Court orders (2008 (12) SCR 637-2008 (12) Scale 308-2008 (10) JT 265 2008 (15) SCC 166), dated August 21, 2008 (sic),” the letter reads.

The letter also refers to the case pertaining to the memorial of the late actor Vishnuvardhan. In June 26, 2015, the High Court of Karnataka had cancelled the allotment of two acres in Turahalli Reserve Forest, adjoining the buffer zone, for construction of the memorial.

The deputy commissioner’s office has not yet responded to the letter. Speaking to DH, Bajpai said a personal request had also been made to the deputy commissioner and the additional deputy commissioner to cancel the order pertaining to allotment of land in Mylasandra and give it back to the Forest Department.

When contacted, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kantharaju said they received the letter only a few days ago. He stressed that the land was allotted to the Judicial Department only after a thorough study.

“The Forest Department lays claim to the land but our records show that it is non-forest government land. Still, we have asked for land records and details from the tahsildar and local officials. The matter is being verified and a resolution will take time,” he said.