Special team formed to examine allotment of reserved forest land

The state government has set up a special team to examine whether any portions of reserved forest land, currently held by the Revenue Department, have been allotted to private individuals or institutions for purposes that fall outside the scope of permitted non-forestry use. The decision follows recent Supreme Court directions strictly prohibiting the allotment of reserved forest land for non-forest activities and comes amid growing concerns over reported encroachments that authorities have struggled to remove.

Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta has constituted the team under the chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary (Forest). Its mandate includes conducting a thorough review of all instances where reserved forest land may have been allotted in violation of norms. The committee’s formation reflects the administration’s attempt to tighten oversight and ensure compliance with both judicial orders and environmental safeguards.

The special team comprises senior officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Director of Land Records and the District Attorney (Forests). The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Management) will serve as the Member Secretary.

As part of its terms of reference, the team will monitor the district-wise progress of special investigation teams (SITs) already set up to assess such land allotments. It will evaluate SIT findings submitted on a regular or monthly basis and determine further action where reserved forest land held by the Revenue Department has been transferred for non-forestry purposes.

The team has also been tasked with reviewing cases where reclaiming the land may not serve the larger public interest and to make considered recommendations accordingly. In addition, it will compile and forward progress and compliance reports to the Central Empowered Committee.

The special team has been directed to issue instructions to SITs and concerned departments to ensure that all reserved forest land parcels under the control of the Revenue Department, or occupied by individuals or institutions, are either restored to the Forest Department or resolved in cases where repossession is not advisable. The entire exercise must be completed by May 14, 2026.