Forest Dept evicts encroachers, recovers land near Palampur

In a major crackdown on encroachers, the Forest Department today retrieved a large portion of forest land illegally occupied at Bindravan, about 3 km from Palampur. A team of officials dismantled nearly two dozen unauthorised structures built on the land.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sanjiv Sharma said a joint team comprising the Range Officer, Block Officer, and field staff carried out the operation. The team faced stiff resistance from the encroachers, but timely police support enabled the successful eviction of illegal occupants and recovery of the land.

“To prevent further encroachment, fencing will be erected around the retrieved land. Land-grabbers are highly active in the area and frequently target forest and government property,” the DFO added.

He further said the anti-encroachment drive would continue in other areas, and field staff have been directed to maintain strict vigilance.

Despite regular drives by the Forest Department, encroachments continue, largely due to political backing enjoyed by many of the offenders. Previous operations have seen violent resistance, with some encroachers attacking police and forest personnel, turning the situation into a serious law and order issue.

The Forest Department has resolved to continue its efforts to protect forest land from illegal occupation.