BENGALURU: As Bengaluru rapidly loses its lung spaces to unchecked urbanisation, concerned citizens are stepping in to protect what remains. One such effort is under way to safeguard the Kadugodi Reserve Forest patch near Whitefield.
Alarmed by large-scale construction activities in and around the forest patch, residents and environmental activists have launched campaigns to protect the green space. An online petition is also being circulated to mobilise public support before approaching the government.
In the petition, the campaigners alleged that despite clear directions from the Supreme Court and Karnataka High Court to state agencies to transfer all forest land to the forest department, little or no action has been taken so far.
Residents and activists have also flagged increasing construction activity within the forest patch and accused forest officials of failing to act against these violations.
The Kadugodi Reserve Forest spans 711 acres, but the forest department currently holds only around 200 acres, of which plantation work has been carried out on 120 acres.
A forest official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the state government has allotted large portions of the forest land to various agencies, including the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) and Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
“The land allotted to BMRCL and BWSSB received forest clearance in exchange for land parcels in Dandeli and Raichur. KIADB was given the lion’s share -- around 450 acres -- before the 1980 Land Acquisition Act. KIADB is now allotting this land to industries and real estate developers,” the official said.
The official added that special petitions have been filed in both the Supreme Court and the Karnataka High Court to reclaim the land. “Despite a status quo order, construction activities are being undertaken by KIADB. Efforts to clear illegal expansion of Dinnur Colony have also landed the matter back in court.”