Encroachment on Reserved Forests: NGT Seeks Response from Forest Department


Authorities Directed to Identify and Hold Negligent Officials Accountable
 The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken strict action in response to illegal encroachment on reserved forest land and unauthorized tree felling. The tribunal has directed the forest department to investigate the issue and assign responsibility to negligent officials.
The case was brought to NGT’s attention through a public interest petition, which highlighted that in at least seven villages, forest land had been encroached upon, and trees were being illegally cut.


NGT’s Directives
•    The forest department must submit a detailed report on illegal encroachments and deforestation.
•    Action must be taken against negligent officials who failed to prevent the encroachment.
•    A joint team of the forest department and state authorities will conduct a comprehensive survey, with findings to be presented in court by May 29.


Forest Land Encroachment: Key Findings
•    526 khasra (survey) numbers were examined across seven villages, revealing 310 hectares of encroached forest land.
•    Out of these, only 154 khasra numbers had been partially surveyed.
•    The forest department’s response was deemed unsatisfactory, as it failed to clarify how much land was illegally occupied and what actions had been taken so far.


12-Week Survey Deadline Set by NGT
NGT has imposed a 12-week deadline for the forest department to:
1.    Complete a thorough survey of all affected areas.
2.    Begin removing illegal settlements on forest land.
3.    Hold accountable those responsible for allowing encroachment.
NGT also warned that if delays persist, strict action will be taken against senior forest officials.


Rising Environmental Concerns
•    Experts have raised alarms that deforestation and illegal settlements in reserved forests threaten local biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
•    The forest department must clarify why large-scale encroachment was ignored for years.
•    The NGT has asked whether forest authorities were complicit in allowing the illegal occupation of government land.


Next Steps
The NGT has warned that any further delays or failure to comply will result in strict legal action against the officials involved. The forest department has been instructed to ensure complete protection and restoration of encroached forest land.