Mon Nov 11 18:28:06 UTC 2024: ## Karnataka Forest Department Issues Notices to Former and Current Officials Over Alleged Forest Land Denotification
**Bengaluru, November 11, 2024:** The Karnataka Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department has issued notices to former and current officials for allegedly filing an application before the Supreme Court to de-notify forest land in possession of Hindustan Machine Tools (HMT) without prior approval.
The notices, issued by department under-secretary B. Shivakumar, are addressed to former Additional Chief Secretary Sandeep Dave, former Principal Secretary Vijayakumar Gogi, and current Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Publicity and ICT) Smita Bijjur and Commissioner (Technical Cell) R. Gokul.
The officials are accused of submitting an application claiming that the Peenya Plantation lands (survey numbers 1 and 2), under HMT, no longer possess forest characteristics. This application was filed without the required approval from the Forest Minister or the State Cabinet, according to the notice.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre had ordered the issuance of notices on September 24th, stating that the officers had attempted to de-notify land valued at thousands of crores in violation of regulations.
The notice warns that failure to provide a satisfactory explanation within a week will result in disciplinary action. The department considers this act a violation of rules, dereliction of duty, and a severe harm to the environment and forests.
First Piper 