BDA Calls for State Government Intervention in Turahalli Forest Buffer Zone Dispute
The Bangalore Development Authority has requested immediate intervention from the state government. They want to resolve the prolonged dispute over the buffer zone surrounding Turahalli forest. The authority warns that this issue has created significant confusion and anxiety among hundreds of site allottees in south Bengaluru.
Drone Survey Reveals New Numbers
According to village-wise data collected after a drone survey conducted by BDA early this month, 480 BDA sites now fall within the buffer zone. This represents a sharp reduction from the earlier estimate of over 1,550 sites. The detailed data shows 455 sites fall in Hemmigepura, and 25 in BM Kaval.
The BDA has urged the forest department to convene an urgent meeting of senior officials from both departments. They aim to arrive at a permanent solution for these 480 affected sites.
Background of the Property Limbo
Over 1,550 BDA site owners in Banashankari 6th Stage found themselves in limbo after the forest department flagged parts of the layout as falling within the Turahalli forest buffer zone. This action stalled construction and property transactions across the area, which comprises over 20,500 sites spread across 14 blocks.
The BDA clarified that layouts from Block 1 to Block 11 of Banashankari 6th Phase were formed more than two decades ago. They acquired the land legally under government orders issued in 2000 and 2001. Compensation was paid, and layouts were developed across several villages including Ganakal, Lingadiranahalli, Sompura, Turahalli and Hemmigepura in Kengeri Hobli, Bengaluru South taluk. This development covered approximately 1,598 acres and 2 guntas.
Site Owners Express Frustration
A site owner from 4th Block shared his predicament. He invested Rs 1.5 crore back in 2016-17, nearly a decade ago. Today, he remains stuck, unable to sell his property or start any construction. He sees no alternative or remedies from authorities.
"Many of us have put in our hard-earned savings, taken home loans, and paid EMIs," he said earlier. "But nothing has moved despite repeated representations and even a forum taking up the matter."
Construction History and Recent Objections
According to the authority, houses were constructed on several sites in the 3rd and 5th blocks of Banashankari 6th Phase, particularly after 2005. At that time, the forest department raised no objections. BDA records show 40 houses in the 3rd Block and 17 houses in the 5th Block were built on sites that are now classified as falling within the buffer zone.
However, after 2019, the forest department began objecting to construction activity in several land parcels in Hemmigepura, Turahalli, Lingadiranahalli and Anise village. No Objection Certificates remain pending in some cases, with claims that more than 16 acres were encroached upon.
Official Statements and Survey Details
A senior BDA official explained the situation. "A joint meeting held in December saw the forest department raise concerns about encroachment beyond the sanctioned forest area," he said. "They sought a detailed survey to ascertain whether land was encroached upon. The September survey report submitted by BDA was not accepted, so we carried out a drone survey again this month."
The official added, "When we conducted a detailed drone survey with precise data, we found many sites were not actually in buffer zones. This discovery brings big relief for allottees. Once the meeting with forest officials concludes, we should resolve the buffer zone matter. The drone survey represents a major positive step, as the number of affected sites came down drastically from 1,554 to 480."
Forest Department's Perspective
Commenting on the issue, a senior official from the forest department offered their view. "After a recent survey, the number of problematic sites decreased significantly," he stated. "We continue discussing what can and cannot be done under the Forest Conservation Act. We plan to meet them next week to explore possible solutions. It is encouraging that many sites earlier under dispute are now cleared."
