Overview

• Heavy machinery under police protection demolished makeshift industrial sheds and under-construction structures on Survey No. 1 of the Kadugodi reserve forest.
• Forest officials demarcated the recovered plots and planted native saplings to initiate a long-term ecological restoration.
• Since mid-2023, Bengaluru’s forest department has reclaimed 248 acres of encroached land citywide, with a combined market value exceeding ₹8,000 crore.
• Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre directed the operation under the legal principle that a forest retains its status, emphasizing the need to protect Bengaluru’s green cover.
• Officials found none of the occupants held valid title documents and will serve notices before completing the final clearance phase by June 26.