Karnatakais one of the key states fast losing large swathes offorest landto mining and developmental projects.
And the most recent instance is the Hubballi-Ankola rail, clamour for which has reached a new crescendo, especially after the visit of an experts’ committee, even as conservationists oppose the proposed diversion of 595.6 hectares of forest land for the project.
The state has lost 746.1 hectares of forest land in just three years, including two pandemic years which saw minimal activity. According to data from the forest department, Ballari andUttara Kannadahave been the worst-affected districts losing much of the forest areas.