Sun May 18 06:10:13 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Karnataka Forest Department Reclaims Encroached Land Worth Millions
**Shivamogga, Karnataka – May 18, 2025 (The Hindu)** – The Karnataka Forest Department successfully cleared 27 acres of encroached forest land in Madaba village, Channarayapatna taluk, Hassan district, on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Officials estimate the value of the recovered land to be over ₹10 crore.
The operation followed a complaint filed by Tejas Gowda, a resident of Channarayapatna, regarding the illegal grant of 26 acres and 33 guntas of land within survey number 27 of Madaba. Acting on the complaint, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre issued an order on October 23, 2024, to clear the encroachment after a thorough verification of land records.
According to a statement from the Minister’s office, individuals had illegally cultivated the forest area after felling trees. Subsequently, a case was registered against the encroachers.
The Forest Department utilized earthmovers to clear the land and subsequently planted saplings of local tree varieties. Signage was also erected, clearly designating the area as protected forest land.
The operation was overseen by V. Yedukondala, Conservator of Forests, Sourabh Kumar, DCF of Hassan, and other Forest Department officials. The successful reclamation marks a significant step in the preservation of Karnataka’s forest resources.
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