Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, he said nearly one lakh families have built their houses on forest land and living there for several years.
They are also paying property tax. However, they are not technically the owners as the houses are located on the forest land, he added.
Majority of the land in Malnad region is forest land. Almost all developmental works have to be taken up on forest land. It is a lengthy process to get all clearance for any development.
Therefore, coordination among various Government departments is necessary, he added.