Leased out to coffee and rubber plantations in Kodagu & Chamarajanagar during British era

Belagavi: The Department of Forests, Ecology, and Environment has initiated legal proceedings to reclaim over 5,100 acres of reserved forest land leased to nine private plantations during the British era.

Responding to a query by BJP MLC M.P. Suja Kushalappa in the Legislative Council session held in Belagavi yesterday, Forests Minister Eshwar Khandre stated that forest land in Kodagu and Chamarajanagar districts was leased to these plantations before 1940.

Initially leased in 1909 for a staggering 999 years, the lease period was reduced by the State Government in 2012 to 99 years. However, this revised duration remains contentious.

“As the original lease term of 999 years was amended to 99 years, plantations secured a Court stay against this amendment. We have filed a counter-petition and are determined to reclaim the forest land,” Khandre informed the Council.

The Minister revealed that an appeal will be filed in Court to revoke the lease agreements of companies that have long occupied forest areas without fulfilling payment obligations. Steps are also being taken to recover dues amounting to Rs. 1,492.18 crore, including interest, from these plantations.

In 1999-2000, the Forest Department identified plantations operating on reserved forest land. “Until then, ownership of these lands was unclear. Notices issued to plantation owners were stayed by the High Court, but the State has now challenged these stays in higher Courts,” Khandre explained.

To expedite the matter, the government has constituted a five-member task force to oversee the recovery process.

The affected lands in Kodagu include those leased to the Mercara Rubber Company (1,074 acres), Nilambur Rubber Company (713.03 acres), Thomson Rubber Company (625 acres), Portland Rubber Company (1,289.29 acres), Tata Coffee Ltd. (923.378 acres) and Glenloren Plantations (279.748 acres).

In Chamarajanagar, Emerald Heaven Estate (37.25 acres), Biligirirangana Estate (25 acres) and Nilgiri Plantation Ltd. (184 acres) have been identified, adding up to 5,150 acres.

These companies have reportedly failed to pay lease amounts for decades, accumulating dues exceeding Rs. 2,000 crore. “Lease conditions have been violated blatantly, with resorts and homestays mushrooming on timber and coffee plantations. Some companies have even sold or sub-leased the lands, citing financial losses,” Khandre added.