Forest Officials Face Accountability for Illegal Land Acquisitions
Karnataka Minister Eshwar Khandre has delivered a strong warning to forest department officials, declaring that Range Forest Officers (RFOs) will be held personally responsible for any land grab incidents that have occurred since 2015. This significant policy announcement came during the minister's visit to Tarikere in Chikkamagaluru district.
Minister's Visit Follows Tragic Leopard Attack
The minister's trip to the region was prompted by a heartbreaking incident that occurred at Navilekal Gudda in Tarikere range. A five-year-old girl lost her life in a fatal leopard attack, bringing urgent attention to the area's wildlife management and forest conservation challenges.
Eshwar Khandre's declaration marks a substantial shift in how the state government plans to address illegal land acquisitions within forest areas. The minister emphasized that officials cannot escape accountability for land grabs that have taken place under their watch during the past decade.
Strengthening Forest Protection Measures
The new accountability framework represents the state government's determined effort to combat illegal encroachments and protect Karnataka's precious forest resources. By making RFOs directly answerable for post-2015 land grabs, the administration aims to create a more robust system of monitoring and prevention.
This development comes at a critical time when human-wildlife conflicts are increasing across the state. The tragic incident in Tarikere has highlighted the urgent need for better forest management and wildlife conservation strategies.
The minister's announcement signals a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal land acquisitions and emphasizes the government's commitment to preserving Karnataka's natural heritage while ensuring public safety in forest-adjacent communities.
