Encroachments from 800 hectares of land to be removed in Kullu district

Acting on judicial directives and departmental orders, the Kullu Forest Department has initiated preparations for a wide-scale eviction of encroachments from forest land. After the recent apple tree felling drive in Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has now turned its focus towards Kullu district.

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Sandeep Sharma, Conservator of Forests, Kullu Circle, confirmed that the eviction campaign will be launched in the district shortly. “The drive is being initiated in line with departmental directions and judicial orders. Encroachments, whether temporary or permanent, will be removed from forest areas,” he stated.

Kullu Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Angel Chauhan revealed that approximately 160 hectares of forest land has been identified as encroached in the Kullu division alone. Of this, about 12 hectares have been prioritised for immediate eviction. “These areas have been marked based on satellite imagery, ground verification, and long-pending cases,” Chauhan explained.

Sources in the department disclosed that illegal occupation in the entire Kullu district spans nearly 800 hectares. These include not only unauthorised structures — both temporary sheds and permanent buildings — but also agricultural lands, particularly apple orchards. An estimated 2,500 apple trees planted on these encroached lands are expected to be uprooted during the eviction drive.

Officials said the drive will follow legal procedure and advance notices will be served to encroachers. The department is also preparing logistical support for demolitions and clearance operations with support from the local administration and police where necessary.

The High Court’s recent push for the restoration of forest lands in Himachal Pradesh has intensified pressure on the Forest Department to act decisively. The felling of apple trees on encroached forest land in Shimla sparked significant public debate, but the judiciary has maintained a firm stance on restoring degraded forest land.

Environmentalists have welcomed the move, saying it is essential to reclaim forest cover lost to illegal occupation. However, some local residents fear economic repercussions, especially in areas where fruit orchards have been the main source of livelihood for decades.

HC push for land restoration

An estimated 2,500 apple trees planted on these encroached lands are expected to be uprooted during the eviction drive

Officials said the drive will follow legal procedure and advance notices will be served to encroachers

The High Court’s recent push for the restoration of forest lands in Himachal Pradesh has intensified pressure on the Forest Department to act decisively

After the recent apple tree felling drive in Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has now turned its focus towards Kullu district