Bengaluru: Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is set to hand in huge relief to more than 250 site owners in Banashankari 6th Phase caught in the Turahalli forest buffer zone dispute in south Bengaluru. BDA has urged the forest dept to offer a one-time settlement to end the impasse over its legally allotted sites.In simple terms, these owners will get full possession — and, hence, freedom — to either construct a house or secure sites. These sites have been in limbo after they were found to be coming under the notified buffer zone of Turahalli forests in south Bengaluru, preventing them from going ahead with construction despite having all valid papers.Of these sites, 274 are in the buffer zone and 55 within the forest boundary. While a resolution is expected soon for 274 sites, the 55 sites falling under the forest boundary remain a challenge, a BDA official said.In a letter dated June 23, BDA informed the principal secretary (forest) the issue pertains to sites along the Turahalli reserve forest boundary in Blocks 1 to 11, spread across Turahalli, Hemmigepura, Lingadheeranahalli, Sompura and BM Kaval villages. The layouts were formed after BDA acquired 1,598 acres through notifications issued on Nov 15, 2000, and Aug 21, 2001.Several sites adjoining the forest later fell within the notified buffer zone. Hence, the forest department stopped granting construction permissions.Following the stalemate, BDA conducted a joint survey in Sept 2025 along with forest and revenue departments. The assistant director of land records submitted a report in Nov 2025, followed by a drone survey in Jan 2026.What initially appeared to affect over 1,400 sites was progressively narrowed to just 329. Based on the findings, BDA prepared a revised layout map and submitted it along with supporting documents to the deputy conservator of forests.During discussions in May 2026, BDA officials, including commissioner, met their forest department counterparts. The department agreed in principle to work towards a resolution for the 274 buffer zone sites through mutual agreement. It was proposed that BDA land, already under forest department possession, along with an additional 20 acres and 18 guntas in Turahalli village, be transferred through a land exchange — providing equivalent buffer area to the department while offering permanent relief to affected plot owners.The issue was raised at two meetings chaired by the then forest minister on May 12 and 20. The minister acknowledged families’ plight of being unable to build on legally purchased sites. Seeking a swift resolution, BDA has requested a one-time settlement to permanently end the uncertainty faced by plot owners who have waited since 2001.
