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The ongoing conflict surrounding the 599-acre HMT land in Bengaluru has intensified, with Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy accusing Karnataka Forest & Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre of 'trespassing' on HMT property. The accusations stem from a recent visit by Mr. Khandre to the HMT premises in Peenya-Jalahalli, where he alleged that hundreds of trees had been illegally felled during the filming of the Yash-starrer 'Toxic'.
Mr. Khandre had previously stated that the Karnataka government intends to reclaim the HMT land, claiming it was originally forest land that was 'illegally transferred' to HMT in the 1960s. However, Mr. Kumaraswamy countered that the land was transferred to Canara Bank in 2002 and that Mr. Khandre's actions constitute a trespass. The Union Minister has also accused the Karnataka government of engaging in a 'politics of vendetta' by targeting HMT, particularly after he announced plans to revive the company.
The dispute has reached a stalemate, with both sides firmly entrenched in their positions. Mr. Khandre's accusations center on the environmental impact of the film shoot, with the alleged felling of trees raising concerns about ecological damage. Conversely, Mr. Kumaraswamy emphasizes the legal ownership of the land by HMT and accuses Mr. Khandre of exceeding his authority. The Forest Department of Karnataka has already taken possession of five acres of vacant HMT land, further escalating the tension.
This ongoing land dispute highlights the complex interplay between politics, environmental concerns, and legal ownership. It remains to be seen how the two ministers will resolve this conflict, which has the potential to impact the future of HMT and the surrounding environment.
Source: Union Minister accuses Karnataka Forest Minister of trespassing on HMT land in Bengaluru