CHIKKAMAGALURU: Fearing that vast stretches of forest land could be under threat one day, officials of Mudigere forest sub-division wants 2,526.20 hectares of forest land notified so that they are protected and improved upon. They feel such a measure will also prevent forest land from falling into the hands of encroachers.
The proposal to bring 2,526 hectares under the forest department is almost ready except for some minor corrections before it is submitted to the state government for approval so that the department has a legitimate right over the land, said Assistant Conservator of Forest, Mudigere sub-division Dinesh Kunar while speaking to Deccan Chronicle.
For all these years, the RTC of these lands was in the name of the forest department and it was described either as state forest, gomal land or grassland but was not notified. After verifying the records, now forest officials are set to stake claim to the land to ensure right of ownership.
Sometime back, Mr Dinesh while studying the files, realised that some land was in the name of the forest department but lacked a notification. After spending about eight months on the files, 2,526.20 hectares of land was identified under various survey numbers in Byrapura, Mekanagadde and Urrobagge regions.
The move to get these lands notified will help forest officials keep encroachers at bay said Mr Dinesh adding, “Once these lands get notified, it would be easy for us to take up improvement of the area and offer better protection. The lands identified to be notified are fit for reserve forest status and remain untouched.” Elephants, gaur and deer among other wild animals roam in the area.
