This is an archive article published on June 13, 2023
Karnataka DCF suspended for permitting quarrying in deemed forest land
In 2022, the Karnataka government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, stating that the deemed forest land extends to 3.3 lakh hectares.
The 50.30 hectares in Dadighatta Village are also part of the deemed forest land. The state government directed the revenue department to mutate the ownership of these lands in favor of the forest department. (Representational/Express Photo)
The Karnataka government has suspended K Harish, the deputy conservator of forest (DCF) for Hassan division, for allowing quarrying in 21 acres of deemed forest land, according to the state government’s suspension order dated June 12.
“The prima facie evidence is against the DCF, and he would be suspended till the inquiry against him is completed,” stated the suspension order.
Advertisement
Indianexpress.com earlier reported that on March 31, Harish granted “no objection certificates” (NOCs) for quarrying in 21 acres of deemed forest land in Dadighatta village, Channarayapatna taluk. Six NOCs were issued to different individuals for quarrying in six different parcels of forest land falling within survey number 224/P1 in Dadighatta village.
N Ravindrakumar, the DCF of the forest mobile squad in Hassan division, wrote a letter recommending legal action against the suspended DCF, stating, “Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and Forest Conservation Act, 1980 should be invoked against the DCF.”
When the Mines and Geology department sought clarification from the DCF regarding the nature of the lands for which NOCs were issued, the DCF responded, “The land allotted for quarrying does not fall in the forest area.”
Advertisement
On his last day in office on May 31, R K Singh, former principal chief conservator of forest and head of forest force, warned deputy conservators of forests across divisions to avoid similar instances to what occurred in Hassan. He emphasised conducting joint surveys with the revenue department to determine land boundaries when there is confusion.
In 2022, the Karnataka government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court, stating that the deemed forest land extends to 3.3 lakh hectares.
The 50.30 hectares in Dadighatta Village are also part of the deemed forest land. The state government directed the revenue department to mutate the ownership of these lands in favor of the forest department.
“The lands that have been assigned as deemed forest lands shall not be granted for any purpose,” said a government order.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) issued a directive on May 15, urging states and union territories to take cognizance of offenses committed under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
The 50.30 hectares in Dadighatta Village are also part of the deemed forest land. The state government directed the revenue department to mutate the ownership of these lands in favor of the forest department. (Representational/Express Photo) 
Share
