Karnataka Government Takes Action to Reclaim Forest Land from Indian Air Force in Bengaluru
The Karnataka state government has initiated decisive steps to reclaim 444 acres of forest land in north Bengaluru from the Indian Air Force, citing what it terms as "illegal possession" after seven years of failed clearance attempts. Forest officials are now preparing to serve formal notice under the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963, to recover the land located off Jalahalli.
Escalation of the Land Dispute
The long-standing issue escalated dramatically in March 2025 when IAF authorities attempted to construct a compound wall around the Peenya plantation within the Jarakabande reserve forest, allegedly violating established regulations. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre personally visited the site, reviewed historical records confirming the land's forest status, and directed officials to reclaim the property immediately.
"I have directed the additional chief secretary (forest) to serve notice and develop this as a lung space for Bengaluru," Khandre stated, emphasizing the government's commitment to environmental preservation.
Failed Negotiations and Legal Proceedings
Following the March 2025 incident, the IAF engaged in multiple meetings with both the forest department and the chief secretary, seeking to retain control of the land. The government advised the air force to apply for proper clearance through the Centre's Parivesh portal, but no approval was secured even after a year, prompting the state to proceed with eviction measures.
A senior forest official revealed: "Despite our reminders over seven years, the IAF has not submitted any appeal to denotify said land from forest classification. Besides illegally occupying the forest land, IAF also sold 58.1 acres to BMRCL in January 2010 without proper ownership rights."
Historical Context and Land Usage
The disputed land has a complex history dating back to the 19th century:
- In May 1896, the erstwhile Mysore State notified 599 acres in Bengaluru North taluk as 'Peenya Jalahalli plantation' under the Mysore Forest Act, 1878
- The same land was declared 'state forest' in January 1901
- An additional 444.1 acres of Jarakabande Kaval was notified as 'sandalwood reserve' in August 1932
Although the IAF has occupied portions of this land since World War II, official land and revenue records have consistently maintained forest department ownership. A joint survey conducted in May 2025 confirmed the IAF was occupying 427 acres of forest land across Jarakabande sandal reserve and Peenya plantation.
Previous Allotments and Legal Challenges
The state government initially allotted 570.2 acres to the IAF in 1987 to establish the Jalahalli Airfield, including 452.4 acres of forest land, with an annual lease of Rs 50,000 per acre. However, this allocation was later challenged in court and struck down following the enactment of the Forest (Conservation) Act, which reaffirmed the forest department's ownership rights.
- In March 1993, the IAF exchanged 12.2 acres at Peenya plantation for 14.3 acres of revenue land in Challaghatta
- In January 2010, the air force sold 50 acres to BMRCL despite lacking proper ownership documentation
- The state government officially cancelled the land allocation of 452.4 acres to IAF in October 2017
Following the 2017 cancellation, the Bengaluru Urban deputy commissioner successfully mutated 357.2 acres in favor of the forest department, though 94.3 acres remain pending transfer.
Current Land Usage and Government Position
Forest department investigations revealed the IAF has been using approximately 15 acres as a shooting range and had constructed a small office on the premises. Additional portions of the land were utilized for jungle warfare and survival training exercises.
The Karnataka government has maintained that while it recognizes the national importance of the IAF's work, proper environmental clearance must be obtained under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Chief Secretary of Karnataka wrote to the IAF in September 2018 specifically stating that if the air force wished to continue using the land, it must apply to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for necessary approvals.
With no clearance secured despite repeated reminders spanning seven years, the state government has now determined that legal action through formal notice under the Karnataka Forest Act represents the only remaining recourse to reclaim this valuable forest land for Bengaluru's environmental future.
