Archive · 31 May 2025
Karnataka Forest Minister Recommends Action on Land Denotification
The Forest Minister in Karnataka is taking action against several officials regarding the attempted changes to the status of forest land owned by HMT in Bengaluru.
These officials are accused of trying to denotify the land without proper approvals and using it for commercial purposes.
The Minister has recommended disciplinary actions, including the suspension of one official, and claims this action is to protect the forest land.
One of the officials has alleged victimisation.
Forest Minister recommends action against senior officials over the denotification of HMT land.
Officials are accused of attempting to denotify 443.6 acres of forest land.
The land, owned by HMT, is being used for commercial purposes despite being forest land.
One official, R Gokul, alleges victimisation by the state government.
The minister stated that Gokul is attempting to cover up his misdeeds.
- Who
- Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre is recommending action against IFS/IAS officers.
- What
- Forest Minister recommends action against officials over HMT land denotification.
- When
- Action unfolding in late 2024 and 2025.
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- Officials allegedly bypassed protocols and sought to denotify forest land without cabinet approval.
R Gokul's Stance
Minister's Stance
Allegation of Targeting
R Gokul's Stance
Gokul alleges that he is being targeted by the state government because he was a prosecution witness in an illegal mining case.
Minister's Stance
Minister Khandre dismisses Gokul's claims as an attempt to cover up his actions.
- Forest Minister
- Eshwar B Khandre
- Land Owner
- Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT)
- Officials Facing Action
- Two serving IFS officers and two retired IAS/IFS officials
- Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (APCCF)
- R Gokul
- Location
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Disputed Land Area
- 443.6 acres
- Forest Plantation Area
- 280 acres
