Today, the Supreme Court stepped in on its own motion to address serious allegations of large-scale encroachment on forest land in Uttarakhand, expressing concern over unchecked construction activities in ecologically sensitive hill areas.
The matter arose from reports highlighting unauthorised occupation and illegal grabbing of protected forest land across several districts of Uttarakhand. The issue was taken up during the Court’s vacation sitting by a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The Court noted that despite the visible scale of encroachment, the State machinery had failed to take prompt or effective action to safeguard forest land.
The Court was informed that constructions were continuing on forest land and that, in several areas, private parties were attempting to create third-party rights over protected land. The apparent inaction of the State administration and forest authorities formed the core concern before the Bench.
The Bench came down strongly on the State authorities, observing that it was “shocking” that officials entrusted with protecting forest land appeared to have remained passive while encroachments took place openly. Emphasising the seriousness of the allegations and the environmental consequences involved, the Court held that the situation warranted immediate judicial intervention to prevent irreversible damage.
Acting on these concerns, the Supreme Court initiated a suo motu proceeding and ordered an immediate halt on all constructions on forest land. It restrained private parties from creating any third-party rights and directed that all vacant forest land, except areas already having residential houses, be taken into possession by the Forest Department. The Court also asked the Chief Secretary and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of Uttarakhand to constitute a fact-finding committee to assess the extent of encroachment and report back. The matter has been listed for further hearing after the Court reopens on January 5.
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