Nurpur forest division cracks down on encroachments after HC order

Following the High Court’s directive on January 28, instructing the Revenue and Forest Departments, along with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), to prevent fresh encroachments on government, forest land and public roads, the Nurpur Forest Division has intensified efforts to curb the problem in the lower Kangra region.

In response to the court’s orders, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Amit Sharma has issued strict instructions to forest guards across Nurpur, Kotla, Jawali, Rey and Indora ranges to remain vigilant. They have been directed to monitor both new and existing encroachments within their respective beats and report these to senior officials so that swift eviction measures can be taken. The Nurpur Forest Division, which comprises 82 forest beats, has deployed guards to ensure the protection of forest land and natural resources.

DFO Amit Sharma confirmed that while the state forest department is still reviewing the HC’s ruling, necessary steps have already been implemented as a proactive measure. The government is also expected to issue new guidelines soon to further strengthen anti-encroachment efforts.

Over the past few years, 650 cases of forest land encroachments have been identified in the Nurpur division. Of these, 600 cases have been resolved following eviction orders under the Public Premises Act (PPA) 1971, leading to the physical reclamation of encroached land. The remaining 50 cases are still under legal proceedings, which are expected to conclude soon.

Apart from legal action, several encroachers voluntarily vacated forest land last year after persuasion by authorities. The reclaimed land has since been demarcated and boundary pillars have been erected to prevent further encroachments.

The HC’s order, considered a landmark ruling, has placed accountability on officials, warning that any dereliction of duty will lead to strict consequences. Field staff and higher authorities will face contempt proceedings, criminal charges and departmental action, including immediate suspension, if found guilty of overlooking or failing to report encroachments. The HC further clarified that negligent employees could face dismissal from service in such cases.

With these stringent measures in place, the Nurpur Forest Division has taken a firm stand against encroachments, ensuring that forest land remains protected and that legal action is swiftly carried out against offenders.