Supreme Court Takes Action Against Uttarakhand Government for Forest Land Encroachment

The Supreme Court criticized the Uttarakhand government and officials for allowing private entities to encroach on forest land. The court, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, expressed dismay at the authorities’ inaction as protected land was illegally taken over. The court initiated a suo motu case due to the lack of intervention by the government. It ordered an immediate halt to construction on forest land and prohibited private parties from claiming rights over the disputed land. All vacant land, except residential properties, must be handed over to the Forest Department. A fact-finding committee, to be set up by the Chief Secretary and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, was directed to submit a detailed report. The court emphasized the importance of understanding the extent of land grabbing and the government’s response over the years. Allegations of illegal occupation of thousands of acres of forest land prompted the court’s intervention. The next hearing is scheduled for January 5 to review the fact-finding committee’s report and potentially issue further instructions.