New Delhi, Dec 22 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Monday initiated suo motu proceedings in connection with alleged large-scale encroachment and illegal occupation of forest land in Uttarakhand.
The matter relating to unauthorised occupation of protected forest land in the hill districts came up before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi during the Court’s vacation sitting.
Taking serious note of the allegations, the Bench ordered an immediate halt to all construction activities on forest land. It directed the Forest Department to take possession of all vacant forest land, except where residential houses already exist.
During the hearing, the CJI expressed concern over the alleged inaction of the State authorities and observed that judicial intervention had become necessary in view of the gravity of the situation.
“What is shocking to us is that the State of Uttarakhand and the authorities are sitting like mute spectators when forest land is being grabbed in front of their eyes. Thus, we initiate a suo motu case,” the CJI observed.
The Court directed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to constitute a fact-finding committee to assess the situation on the ground and submit a detailed report indicating the extent of encroachment and the response of the State machinery.
To prevent any further changes on the ground, the Bench also restrained private parties from creating any third-party rights over forest land and clarified that no construction shall take place until further orders.
“Private parties are stopped from creating any third-party rights, and no construction shall take place,” the CJI said.
The Court ordered that all vacant forest land, barring existing residential structures, shall be taken into possession by the Forest Department.
“Vacant land other than residential houses shall be taken in possession by the forest department,” the Bench directed.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 5, after the reopening of the Court.
The issue of illegal occupation of forest land in Uttarakhand has been highlighted in several reports, particularly in ecologically sensitive hill regions witnessing rapid urban and semi-urban expansion.
SC takes suo motu cognisance of encroachments on forest land in Uttarakhand
