Karnataka rolls out climate action plan to tackle global warming: Minister Khandre

Encroachments on about 250 acres of forest land in Bengaluru, across areas such as Kothanur, Kadugodi, B M Kaval and Turahalli, were cleared. Over the last three years, about 11 crore saplings were planted, with survival data available on the Forest Department website. In Peenya, around 400 acres of forest land had been allotted to HMT; 160 acres were sold and 280 acres remain, with a decision to reclaim for preservation; a legal case is in the Supreme Court. Additionally, 159 acres in Gantiganahalli (Yelahanka) are part of a reserved forest; if the Indian Air Force submits a diversion proposal with alternative land, transfer may be considered; otherwise, the land will be reclaimed. The government plans to construct a major biological park on 153 acres at Madappanahalli in Bengaluru North taluk, with cabinet approval obtained; the Chief Minister is expected to lay the foundation stone in May 2026.

Minister Eshwar Khandre announced that Karnataka has formulated a state action plan on climate change to mitigate global warming. Directions were issued to ensure proper implementation; the Environmental Management and Policy Research Institute will coordinate with various departments. Training programmes will be organised across all 31 districts; a dedicated radio programme Havamaana Mitra had been launched in April 2025, with 24 broadcasts on Akashvani to date.

A dedicated radio programme Havamaana Mitra was launched to share information on best practices for climate resilience; by April 2025, 24 programmes had been broadcast on Akashvani.

Under the Forest Act, 1980, forest land cannot be diverted without due process; in 2017, the then Deputy Commissioner cancelled the allotment of 444 acres in the Jarakabande area that had been allocated to the Indian Air Force; the land is involved in ongoing reclamation to preserve forest space.