The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Karnataka Forest Department have decided to conduct a joint land survey to resolve the long-pending land dispute in Banashankari 6th Stage in south Bengaluru. The decision comes after years of uncertainty faced by site allottees due to overlapping claims over forest buffer zones and layout boundaries.
Banashankari 6th Stage was developed by the BDA in the early 2000s, with several residential sites allotted to the public. However, parts of the layout later came under dispute when the Forest Department claimed that certain blocks fall within the 100-metre buffer zone of the adjacent forest land at BM Kaval Agara. This claim led to restrictions on construction and registration, affecting thousands of property owners.
Residents and allottees have maintained that they possess valid allotment letters, tax receipts and approvals issued by the BDA. Despite this, they have been unable to proceed with development or property transactions due to the unresolved dispute between departments. Earlier surveys conducted by revenue authorities and the BDA suggested inconsistencies in forest boundary demarcation, but the Forest Department raised objections to those findings.
To bring clarity and ensure transparency, both departments have now agreed to work together on a fresh survey. Officials stated that the joint exercise would help establish accurate land boundaries and determine whether any BDA-allotted sites fall within protected forest zones. The survey is also expected to use modern mapping methods, including drone-based measurements, to improve accuracy and avoid future disputes.
A follow-up meeting between senior officials of both departments has been scheduled to review the findings and decide on further action. If the survey confirms that the forest land extends beyond previously notified limits, the buffer zone issue may be resolved accordingly. If not, authorities will assess alternative measures based on verified data.
The move has been welcomed by affected residents, who have been seeking a resolution for over two decades. The joint survey is expected to provide long-awaited clarity, restore confidence among property owners and potentially allow stalled development activities to resume in the disputed areas of Banashankari 6th Stage.
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