Karnataka Forest Dept Under Scrutiny: Union Ministry Flags 'Grave Lapses' in Crucial Land Identification

A recent revelation from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has cast a critical spotlight on the Karnataka Forest Department, citing significant and concerning lapses in its duty. The Ministry has issued a stern warning, highlighting persistent failures in identifying and transferring land designated for Compensatory Afforestation (CA), a fundamental requirement when forest areas are diverted for non-forest purposes.

The core of the issue lies in the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980, which mandates that for every hectare of forest land diverted, an equivalent area of non-forest land must be identified and transferred to the Forest Department for compensatory afforestation.

This critical process is overseen by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and mitigating environmental damage.

However, the Union Ministry's audit unearthed a disturbing pattern of inaction and oversight.

A glaring example cited involves a case where 4,746.47 hectares of non-forest land were proposed for CA, yet only a fraction—1,185.34 hectares—was actually transferred. This leaves a staggering 3,561.13 hectares of promised compensatory land untransferred, a clear violation of environmental stipulations.

Further delving into the state's performance, the Ministry revealed a district-wise breakdown of untransferred CA land, painting a bleak picture.

Districts like Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Udupi, Shivamogga, and Ballari are among those where the department has failed to secure the necessary land, despite the initial diversion of forest areas. This failure directly undermines efforts to replenish the green cover lost to development projects.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, the MoEFCC has criticized the Karnataka Forest Department not just for the initial lapses, but also for its sluggish response and apparent reluctance to take decisive action against officials responsible for these irregularities.

Warnings and directives from the Union Ministry have seemingly gone unheeded, leading to a build-up of unaddressed violations and a concerning lack of accountability.

The ministry's communication underscores that such negligence not only compromises the spirit of environmental conservation but also raises questions about the judicious use of CAMPA funds, which are specifically earmarked for afforestation activities.

The delay in identifying and transferring land directly hampers the ability to implement effective compensatory afforestation programs, leaving vast tracts of land vulnerable and impacting local biodiversity.

In its recent admonition, the MoEFCC has unequivocally demanded immediate and stringent action.

This includes a swift resolution of all pending land transfers, the submission of detailed Action Taken Reports (ATRs), and stern measures against any negligent officials. The message is clear: the Union Ministry is no longer willing to tolerate the persistent failures that threaten Karnataka's vital forest ecosystems and the broader environmental health of the region.