<p>Bengaluru: Forest officers of the Bengaluru Urban division have reclaimed five acres of the Bhootanahalli Minor Forest land in south Bengaluru from an encroacher, amid concerns over shrinking greenery and possible wildlife conflict.</p>.<p>The land, adjoining farmland owned by Ramesh R, had been illegally extended from 5 acres 20 guntas to 10 acres 20 guntas. "Considering the area’s importance for wildlife conservation, we undertook a summary eviction and planted native trees to restore the forest,” sources in the department said.</p>.Five teachers among six killed as tree falls on moving bus in UP's Barabanki .<p>Bhootanahalli forest, notified in 1934, spans 539 acres. Though not an elephant corridor, elephants from Bannerghatta pass through it after crossing Gulikamale to reach Devika Rani Estate and UM Kaval Forest. Leopards and other wildlife also inhabit the area.</p>.<p>The reclaimed land is valued at over Rs 25 crore, but officials stressed its ecological significance. The eviction was led by Assistant Conservator of Forests Ganesh R under Bengaluru Urban DCF Ravindra Kumar.</p>.<p>About 130 acres remain under encroachment. "Eviction is slow as many accused have secured stay orders. In some cases, matters are pending before various authorities,” the source added.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: Forest officers of the Bengaluru Urban division have reclaimed five acres of the Bhootanahalli Minor Forest land in south Bengaluru from an encroacher, amid concerns over shrinking greenery and possible wildlife conflict.</p>.<p>The land, adjoining farmland owned by Ramesh R, had been illegally extended from 5 acres 20 guntas to 10 acres 20 guntas. "Considering the area’s importance for wildlife conservation, we undertook a summary eviction and planted native trees to restore the forest,” sources in the department said.</p>.Five teachers among six killed as tree falls on moving bus in UP's Barabanki .<p>Bhootanahalli forest, notified in 1934, spans 539 acres. Though not an elephant corridor, elephants from Bannerghatta pass through it after crossing Gulikamale to reach Devika Rani Estate and UM Kaval Forest. Leopards and other wildlife also inhabit the area.</p>.<p>The reclaimed land is valued at over Rs 25 crore, but officials stressed its ecological significance. The eviction was led by Assistant Conservator of Forests Ganesh R under Bengaluru Urban DCF Ravindra Kumar.</p>.<p>About 130 acres remain under encroachment. "Eviction is slow as many accused have secured stay orders. In some cases, matters are pending before various authorities,” the source added.</p>
