Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, stated that the Karnataka government does not have a legal claim on the disputed HMT land in Bengaluru. He criticized Minister Eshwar Khandre for allegedly making misleading statements about the issue. Khandre, who previously served as the Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, accused the Centre of trying to use forest land for real estate purposes.
Kumaraswamy clarified that the Forest Department has no jurisdiction or ownership over the HMT land. He challenged those asserting otherwise to verify official records. The Union Minister highlighted that the ownership of the HMT land is currently under litigation in the Supreme Court. He also accused the Karnataka Forest Department of issuing an “illegal” notice to vacate the land.
Questioning Khandre’s motives, Kumaraswamy alleged that the former Forest Minister had not adequately protected forest land during his tenure. He raised concerns about alleged encroachments in the Jakkur Plantation area and criticized the approval of structures on land designated for a biodiversity park. Kumaraswamy invited Khandre to inspect the HMT property together to verify its status.
The Union Minister defended his efforts to revive HMT and the Bhadravati steel plant, emphasizing his discussions in New Delhi to garner support for these initiatives. He criticized the Karnataka government for hindering progress through public criticism instead of backing projects beneficial to the state. Kumaraswamy urged cooperation from the state government to advance industrial growth initiatives and resolve issues related to the HMT land.
