BANGALORE: The National Committee for Protection of Natural Resources (NCPNR), a non-governmental organisation which is fighting illegal mining in the state tooth and nail, has accused the state government of remaining silent on the recovery of encroached forest land.
Addressing the Media here on Friday, convener of NCPNR S R Hiremath, while referring to the V Balasubramanian’s report, said, “The Task Force for Protection of Government Lands (and recovery of Public land) constituted by the government in 2009 had submitted a report in June 2011 on land encroachments in Karnataka, which indicated that about 12 lakh acres of forest land worth Rs 1,95,000 crore were encroached, a mere 4 per cent of which was recovered. We appeal to Legislature for stringent action on recovery of public lands.”
He added, “The NCPNR, as a part of it’s campaign ‘Azaadi Se Swaraj’, will unite with like-minded organisations and individuals on the removal of encroachments and recovery of public lands.”
Hiremath said: “It was only after the former Lokayukta’s orders, was the value of land quantified.”
“Several departments have connived; justice must prevail,” said chairman of Task Force for Protection of Government Lands V Balasubramanian.