Karnataka's Deemed Forest Survey Nears Completion: A Decades-Long Ecological Balancing Act

There's a significant buzz in Karnataka's environmental and administrative circles right now. The colossal task of surveying what are known as "deemed forests" across the state is nearing completion, with a substantial 70% of the work already ticked off. This isn't just a technical exercise, mind you; it's a critical step in a decades-long legal and ecological saga, and the state's Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, is determined to bring it to a close.

Minister Khandre recently shared this promising update, outlining an ambitious goal: to wrap up the entire survey and submit a comprehensive final report to the Supreme Court within the next two months. This isn't some arbitrary deadline; it stems from a landmark 1996 Supreme Court ruling – the famous Godavarman Thirumalpad case – which essentially tasked states with identifying and protecting these unofficial, yet undeniably vital, forest areas.

So, what exactly are "deemed forests"? Well, they're quite unique. Unlike those tracts of land officially gazetted as reserve forests or national parks, deemed forests are areas that, while not formally designated, exhibit all the characteristics of a forest. Think about it: patches of uncultivated land, dense tree plantations, or even areas that simply look and feel like a forest – they all fall under this umbrella. It's about recognizing their ecological importance, regardless of their official label on a map.

The journey to delineate these lands hasn't been straightforward, not by a long shot. Initially, back in 1997, a technical committee identified roughly 9.94 lakh hectares as deemed forest. However, over time, that figure ballooned significantly, with another report suggesting it could be as much as 33 lakh hectares! This considerable discrepancy has naturally led to much debate and, frankly, quite a bit of contention. Imagine being a farmer, for instance, cultivating land for generations, only to have it suddenly classified as a 'deemed forest.' It creates a complex situation, pitting the need for conservation against the livelihoods and land rights of ordinary citizens.

To tackle this intricate problem head-on, a cabinet sub-committee was established, originally under the watchful eye of former Revenue Minister R. Ashoka. Their mission? To meticulously review and classify these diverse land types within the deemed forest category. It’s about figuring out which areas truly are forests, which are cultivable, and which might be something in between. The ongoing survey, which spans an impressive 29,993 square kilometers, is directly feeding into this crucial decision-making process.

Minister Khandre emphasized the delicate balance that needs to be struck here. "We have to protect forests, there is no question about it," he stated, underlining the unwavering commitment to environmental preservation. But, he quickly added, it's equally imperative to ensure justice for farmers and those whose lives are inextricably linked to these lands. The goal, ultimately, is to present a clear, definitive picture to the Supreme Court, one that safeguards Karnataka's precious natural heritage while also upholding the rights of its people. It's a tall order, but with 70% of the groundwork done, a resolution seems finally within reach.