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BENGALURU: Over 1,500 families who purchased plots in the Banashankari 6th Stage layout, developed by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), are stuck in limbo for years. A sudden claim by the forest department regarding forest land has halted construction and sales, leaving many unable to develop their properties despite holding valid allotments, tax receipts, and long-standing ownership documents.
Established in 2001, Banashankari 6th Stage consists of over 20,500 plots across 14 blocks. The current contention focuses on the 3rd, 4th, and 5th blocks, where the forest department has imposed construction restrictions, asserting that parts of the layout encroach on the BM Kaval Agara forest land buffer zone of 100 metres.
Site owners interviewed by TOI express frustration, having invested their life savings only to find themselves unable to build. They argue that the forest land claim is based on a misinterpretation of a buffer-zone regulation meant for new land grants. Despite ongoing appeals, they report a lack of clarity, timelines, or relief, resulting in financial distress for these families.
A 49-year-old plot owner in the 4th Block exclaimed, “I invested more than Rs 1.5 crore in this property back in 2016-17—nearly a decade ago. Yet, I’m still unable to construct or sell. Authorities seem informed, yet provide no options or solutions. Many of us have exhausted our savings, taken out loans, and are burdened with EMIs, but our situation remains stagnant, even after multiple representations and a dedicated forum addressing the matter. It’s shocking how detached the authorities seem to be from our plight.”
Anasuya, a 51-year-old homemaker from Jayanagar 7th Block, added, “I was allotted a site in 5th Block on January 21, 2004. For years there was no development—just two years ago, there were hardly any houses even within a 1-2 km radius. I have consistently paid property tax, but officials now claim the land is forest land. For 13 years, there were no objections… how is this fair? My Rs 10 lakh investment in 2004 could have grown to nearly Rs 6 crore today had I placed it elsewhere. After 23 years, questioning our ownership is utterly unjust.”
TF Mahesha, president of the Banashankari 6th Stage residents’ welfare association, stated: “The land was developed and allotted in 2001, but for the past 2.5 years, forest officials have asserted it is forest land, preventing construction. Despite our several approaches to the BDA, we’ve been told that alternative sites may be offered if the land is designated as forest—a process that could take years, if not a decade—leaving our investments in limbo. Our pleas continue to go unanswered, and we’re told the case is in court without any clear resolution or timeline.”
Resolution in 3-6 months, says BDA
The BDA responded, indicating that the issue has been escalated to government levels in conjunction with the forest department. Officials mentioned that comprehensive discussions are planned for January 2026, after which legal advice will be sought from the law department. As the conflict primarily involves government entities, the process is likely to take 3 to 6 months, guided by legal interpretations.
A senior BDA official revealed that the issue arose post-development of the layout, with sites being allocated subsequently. “The forest department’s claims that the land lies within a 100-metre buffer zone are based on a misinterpretation of a circular meant to restrict new allotments within that zone. This circular does not apply to already allocated layouts and plots,” the official assured.
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