By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 8 Dec: A large-scale operation to remove encroachments from Reserve Forest government land has been launched on the banks of the Kosi River near the Ramnagar Municipal Council area in Nainital district. The contested site known as Puchhadi Colony reportedly saw illegal occupation by intruders. The drive is being conducted amid a strong police presence, following directives from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), as efforts to clear encroachments along the Kosi River banks have been ongoing for several months.
Reports indicate that unlawful structures including Mazaars, a mosque, and Madrasas have been erected on forest land owned by the Forest Department within what is known as Puchhadi Basti. Officials were taken aback by the extent of encroachment during a recent survey. To probe the activities of land mafia operating on government forest land, the administration had constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The current anti-encroachment action follows the findings of this SIT. It may be reminded here that the state government has of late adopted a firm stance against illegal occupation and completed preparations for a comprehensive operation in the Kumaon division. The long-pending task of removing illegal cultivation and settlements that have persisted for years on land under the Terai West Forest Division in Gram Puchhadi is now being expedited. Although the Forest Department had identified these encroachments earlier, decisive action was not possible until now.
A drone survey by a joint team, comprising ASP Manoj Kumar Katyal, Forest Department SDO Kiran Shah, officials from the Revenue Department, Police, and Ramnagar Nagar Palika led to the mapping of the illegal occupations. It may also be reminded that, around a decade ago, the Terai West Forest Division had allotted nearly one hectare of forest land as a trenching ground to the Nagar Palika in exchange for close to Rs 1 crore. Despite this formal arrangement, the land continues to be illegally occupied by many people, disrupting government plans. Upon learning about the administrative crackdown, encroachers have reportedly panicked and some have even confronted the officials.
The official sources shared that the removal of encroachments from the trenching ground land allocated to Nagar Palika will be undertaken in the first phase as per a detailed strategy discussed by the officials. The Police also admitted that cases had already been registered in 2024 against several individuals for illegal forest land occupation, with investigations ongoing. The SIT’s inquiry uncovered that some encroachers forged documents and sold forest land to unsuspecting buyers at low prices. Presently, the focus remains on the timing and scale of the administration’s further anti-encroachment measures. Notably, over 500 families have occupied approximately 100 acres of Forest Department land in the area.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Prakash Chandra Arya also confirmed that the government’s directive to remove encroachments from forest land is being enforced. Notices have been served and public announcements made, with the Forest Department closely collaborating with the administration to clear the trenching ground and transfer it to Nagar Palika control.
The anti-encroachment drive continues with the top district level administrative and the forest officials present on the spot since yesterday. The police claim that persons from outside the area had established illegal settlements on Reserve Forest land, which the Forest Department is now clearing. Adequate security arrangements are in place to ensure the operation proceeds without hindrance.
