Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Environmentalists Urge Karnataka to Protect Social Forests
A group of environmental experts and activists in Karnataka have asked the state government to take immediate action to protect and manage social forestry plantations.
These plantations, which cover a large area and are spread across many villages, have been neglected due to lack of maintenance and staff.
The group has suggested several measures, such as classifying these plantations as 'deemed forests', allocating more funds and staff, and conducting scientific studies to document their ecological value.
They have also urged the government to convene a meeting to prepare a conservation strategy for these forests.
Environmentalists urge Karnataka to protect social forestry plantations due to neglect and lack of maintenance.
A memorandum was submitted to the Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre.
The group recommends classifying social forestry plantations as 'deemed forests' and allocating more funds and staff.
Scientific studies are needed to document the ecological value of these plantations.
The government is urged to convene a meeting to prepare a conservation strategy for social forests.
- Who
- Environmental experts and rural development activists in Karnataka
- What
- Urging the state to launch a special action plan for the conservation and management of social forestry plantations
- When
- The memorandum was submitted to the Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To protect decades of public investment in social forestry due to neglect and lack of maintenance
Environmentalists and Activists
Government and Officials
Immediate Action Needed
Environmentalists and Activists
Environmentalists urge immediate protection and conservation of social forests due to neglect and lack of maintenance.
Government and Officials
Government officials may need to address the concerns and allocate resources for the conservation efforts.
Classification as Deemed Forests
Environmentalists and Activists
Environmentalists recommend classifying social forestry plantations as 'deemed forests' to ensure their protection.
Government and Officials
Government needs to review and update the state’s deemed forest list to include these plantations.
Funding and Personnel
Environmentalists and Activists
Environmentalists call for strengthening the Social Forestry Department with additional personnel and financial support.
Government and Officials
Government needs to allocate budgetary support and staff to maintain and restore social forests.
- Number of Social Forestry Plantations
- 15,000
- Total Area Covered
- 1.3 lakh acres
- Number of Gram Panchayats Involved
- 6,000
- Programme Launch Year
- Early 1980s
- Key Signatories
- Anant Hegde Ashisar, K. Venkatesh, Dr Balachandra Sayimane, Shripad Bichchugatti, Ganapati K. Bisalakoppa
- Key Organizations Involved
- Vruksha Laksha Andolana, Paryavarna Jagruti Trust, Karnataka Biodiversity Board, Western Ghats Task Force