The Karnataka government is reportedly exploring a land swap proposal with the Indian Air Force (IAF), under which a parcel of IAF land in Belagavi could be exchanged for forest land currently occupied by the Yelahanka Air Force Station runway near Bengaluru.
According to a report by The Print, nearly 160 acres of forest land is allegedly under the possession of the IAF at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, which houses one of the country’s premier air force training schools.
Government officials said the runway area, located along the route to Bengaluru International Airport, falls on forest land. In return for regularising this land, the state government has reportedly identified certain IAF-owned land in Belagavi as part of a possible exchange.
“A proposal has been discussed where alternate land belonging to the IAF in Belagavi could be transferred if both the Air Force and Forest Department agree,” a senior official was quoted as saying.
A joint survey has already been conducted by the Karnataka government and the IAF to determine the exact extent of the land involved.
Officials said that out of the nearly 2,000 acres occupied by the Yelahanka Air Force Station, around 159 acres of runway land is under dispute. The forest department claims that two separate land parcels measuring 132.03 acres and 27 acres are being used by the IAF.
However, sources indicate that the Air Force may be reluctant to part with any land in Belagavi, as it remains under active operational use and could involve security concerns.
The Karnataka government has also intensified efforts to recover forest land allegedly encroached upon by individuals and organisations across the state.