Karnataka Government Initiates Fresh Survey to Correct Deemed Forest Classification Errors
In a significant move to address serious lapses in land administration, Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has issued directives for a comprehensive and accurate re-listing of deemed forests across the state. This decision comes in response to widespread errors in previous surveys that have adversely impacted land allocation processes and farmer interests.
Flawed Notification Creates Administrative Hurdles
Sources reveal that a 2022 notification, based on two rounds of surveys identifying deemed forests, contained multiple inaccuracies. The flawed classification included government buildings, private land parcels, and gomala lands that lacked any forest characteristics. This erroneous tagging has created substantial obstacles for the government in allocating land to farmers and other stakeholders, particularly where grazing lands were incorrectly designated as forest areas.
The minister expressed concern that these classification errors have created long-term complications for land administration. "We have forgotten the concept of deemed forests," Gowda stated emphatically. "Areas that look like forests should be designated as deemed forests, not properties without tree cover."
High-Level Meeting Addresses Coordination Issues
At a recent high-level meeting with forest and revenue department officials, Byre Gowda outlined a clear action plan. He mandated the formation of district-wise teams to conduct joint surveys for reassessing deemed forest areas. The minister emphasized that clear demarcation of revenue and forest boundaries would help avoid disputes and expedite land use decisions.
Officials from both departments attended the meeting in person, while deputy commissioners from across districts participated virtually. During the discussions, Gowda expressed strong displeasure over the lack of coordination between departments, particularly citing instances where forest officials refused to sign joint survey reports. He described such behavior as "unacceptable" and called for greater accountability throughout the classification process.
Questionable Classifications Under Scrutiny
The minister highlighted several concerning examples of misclassification during the meeting. He questioned the rationale behind designating non-forest land parcels as deemed forests, including:
- Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board properties
- Lake beds and water bodies
- School grounds and educational institutions
- Commercial plantations like 'Sendivana'
These questionable classifications have created confusion at both state and district levels, necessitating a thorough review and correction process.
Ongoing Revision Exercise and Future Plans
The government initiated a revision exercise last year with the objective of correcting inconsistencies and establishing a credible database of deemed forests. Joint surveys are already underway in several districts, including Chikkamagaluru, as part of this corrective measure.
The state government now aims to finalize an updated list that balances environmental safeguards with practical land use requirements. This revised classification will be based on ground realities rather than bureaucratic errors, ensuring that genuine forest areas receive appropriate protection while non-forest lands remain available for legitimate agricultural and developmental purposes.
This comprehensive reassessment represents a crucial step toward resolving long-standing land administration issues and protecting the interests of Karnataka's farming community while maintaining environmental conservation standards.
