KPLCL has mandated DCs to formulate action plans by January 31

Karnataka has a total land bank of 63.3 lakh acres

A significant 14.7 lakh acres are under unauthorized occupation

Karnataka has initiated an assertive campaign to retrieve more than 1.1 lakh acres of government land unlawfully seized by encroachers across 31 districts.

The Karnataka Public Lands Corporation Limited (KPLCL) has mandated deputy commissioners to formulate action plans by January 31, outlining strategies for the identification, clearance, and repossession of vacant government plots currently held by squatters and land mafias.

According to data compiled by KPLCL, out of Karnataka’s total land bank of 63.3 lakh acres, a significant 14.7 lakh acres are under unauthorized occupation. While over 10 lakh acres throughout the state are being cultivated by farmers who have applied for government land grants, approximately 3.9 lakh acres have been designated by KPLCL for the removal of encroachments.

Thus far, district administrations have successfully reclaimed more than 2.7 lakh acres of public land, leaving 1.1 lakh acres yet to be repossessed and brought back under government control. Even Bengaluru Urban district has not been exempt from encroachments on valuable government land. According to KPLCL data, 38,947 acres of revenue land in the urban area were encroached upon, with authorities recovering 16,478 acres.

Deputy commissioners have been directed to mobilize their revenue and police teams to investigate encroachment complaints, verify on-site conditions, evict squatters, and recover occupied land parcels. They are required to submit detailed action plans by the end of the month, highlighting areas already cleared and those awaiting recovery.