Bengaluru Forest Ministry Seeks Answers On Encroachment At Jnana Bharathi Campus
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has initiated a high-level inquiry into alleged rampant land encroachment and illegal activities plaguing Bangalore University’s sprawling Jnana Bharathi Campus. This intervention follows a citizen’s complaint highlighting the continuous degradation of one of Bengaluru’s last significant green zones, a vital ecological space supporting diverse flora and fauna. The investigation brings into sharp focus the contentious issue of classifying such invaluable urban green spaces, pushing authorities to clarify the legal status of the campus’s verdant patches and their critical role in the city’s environmental health and sustainability.
The complaint, lodged on April 4, detailed a distressing scenario where, despite persistent media coverage and compelling evidence, Bangalore University authorities have reportedly failed to halt the insidious encroachment transforming parts of the campus’s green area into unauthorised housing and commercial zones. This ongoing degradation poses a severe threat to the biodiversity of the campus, which is renowned for its rich variety of wildlife, including numerous species of butterflies, birds, and indigenous plants. The urgency of the matter has prompted the MoEF&CC to seek direct clarifications from the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), escalating the concern to a national level.
While the KFD has acknowledged receipt of the ministry’s request, noting that the matter falls within its jurisdiction, the department plans to inform the MoEF&CC that the Jnana Bharathi campus land is not officially classified as ‘forest land’ in its records. This distinction highlights a significant grey area in urban environmental governance, where critical green spaces, while functionally acting as ecological assets, may lack formal protective designations. The KFD’s response underscores the need for a re-evaluation of how urban biodiversity hotspots are defined and protected under existing statutes, particularly considering the rapid urbanisation of cities like Bengaluru.
However, the KFD has simultaneously emphasised the immense ecological value of the green patches on the campus, recognising their rich biodiversity. Officials have underscored the imperative to explore the possibility of officially declaring these vital green areas as ‘forest’ or ‘deemed forest’ – a classification that would confer enhanced legal protection. In the Indian context, ‘forest cover’ is broadly defined as land with more than one hectare in area and a tree canopy density exceeding 10 percent, irrespective of ownership or legal status. Furthermore, any plantation boasting 100 trees per hectare with a girth of over 30 centimetres at breast height can contribute to its identification as a ‘deemed forest’.
This situation reflects a broader challenge in India’s rapidly expanding cities, where the pressure of urban development often clashes with the preservation of natural ecosystems. The lack of a clear, uniform legal definition for urban green spaces and the fragmented nature of land governance often leave these crucial ecological lungs vulnerable to encroachment. The Ministry’s direct involvement, spurred by citizen advocacy, serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role public engagement plays in environmental conservation. It is hoped that this high-level intervention will not only resolve the immediate issue of encroachment at Bangalore University but also catalyse a much-needed policy review to safeguard urban green zones, ensuring Bengaluru’s journey towards becoming a truly eco-friendly and sustainable city for future generations.
