Archive · 25 May 2025
Centre Rejects Forest Land Diversion for RTO in Bidar
The government wanted to use some forest land to build a road transport office (RTO) in Bidar, near the forest minister's home.
The plan was to cut down trees and build a road for testing vehicles and issuing licenses.
However, the government rejected the proposal.
The decision was made because an alternative road already exists.
Conservationists criticized the plan, questioning how the minister allowed it in his home district, especially after previously preventing similar actions.
The Karnataka forest department proposed diverting forest land for an RTO approach road.
The proposal was for 1.76 acres of reserve forest land near Bidar.
The MOEFCC rejected the proposal.
The rejection was based on the availability of an alternative road.
Conservationists criticized the proposal, questioning the Forest Minister's actions.
- Who
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Bidar forest officials, conservationists, and Karnataka forest department.
- What
- The Ministry rejected a proposal to divert forest land for an RTO approach road.
- When
- June 2024 (proposal), recent rejection
- Where
- Near Bidar, Karnataka
- Why
- Because an alternative road already exists and to conserve forest.
Conservationist Position
Government Position
Sustainable Development
Conservationist Position
Not provided in the text.
Government Position
Forest conservation and development should occur sustainably.
- Location of Proposed Land
- Near Bidar, Karnataka
- Purpose of Land Diversion
- Road to RTO for vehicle testing and licenses
- Forest Land Area Proposed
- 1.76 acres
- Ministry Decision
- Rejected the proposal
- Reason for Rejection
- Availability of alternative road
- Number of Trees to be Felled
- 84
- Ministry
- Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC)