Mangaluru: Minister of Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar B Khandre has announced the formation of a task force to clear encroachments in the Western Ghats and other forested hill region, focusing on illegal resorts, homestays, and other unauthorized developments. In a statement to the media, Minister Khandre revealed that the task force will be led by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and the head of the forest task force. The operation to clear the encroachments in the Western Ghats and other ghat regions is set to begin immediately. “Our initial focus will be on large-scale encroachments where illegal resorts and homestays have been constructed. Subsequent actions will target other encroached plantations and buildings. Everyone is equal before the law. No commercial activities will be allowed in the Western Ghats that could harm the environment,” he said. “The focus will be on clearing encroachments that have cropped up after 2015, especially in cases where the legal process under Section 64A has been completed,” he said. He further explained that officers at various levels, including ACFs, DCFs, CFs, CCFs, and APCCFs, are empowered to conduct hearings on encroachment cases and issue orders under the 64A process. All senior officers have been directed to expedite the resolution of pending 64A cases by conducting the necessary procedures in their respective jurisdictions twice a week. The government has also directed the task force to collaborate with the Advocate General to fast-track cases pending in the courts. The Minister also addressed the issue of unscientific road construction in the Western Ghats. He noted that reckless hill-cutting at 90-degree angles during road expansion projects has led to landslides in the region. Notices have been issued to the contractors and engineers involved, and strict action is being planned. Khandre cited recent landslides in Wayanad and Shirur in Uttara Kannada, which resulted in significant loss of life and the disappearance of hills that had stood for centuries. “Landslides continue to plague areas like Shiradi and Charmadi Ghats. If we do not act now, future generations will not forgive us,” he warned.
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