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The Supreme Court has sharply criticised the Uttarakhand government for allowing widespread and systematic encroachment of forest land in Rishikesh over more than two decades. The land, originally allotted in 1950 to an organisation linked to Gandhian leader Mira Behn, was later partially surrendered but subsequently occupied by private individuals without authorisation. The court noted prolonged inaction by state authorities and possible collusion with encroachers. It directed a detailed inquiry into illegal constructions and ordered officials to prevent further alienation of the forest land while reporting accountability measures.
The Supreme Court of India has criticised the Uttarakhand government for its failure to prevent unauthorised occupation of forest land in Rishikesh, noting that illegal encroachments have continued for over two decades with little intervention by authorities. The land in question was allotted in 1950 to a society associated with Gandhian leader Mira Behn. While part of the land was later surrendered, several private individuals took control of portions without any legal approval, prompting concerns about systematic encroachment. Advertisement
A bench led by the Chief Justice pointed out that these encroachments appeared to have occurred in a structured manner between 2000 and 2023. The court observed that the prolonged enjoyment of residential or commercial rights on government forest land suggested possible collusion among local politicians, bureaucrats and private parties. Uttarakhand officials informed the court that around 500 acres had recently been recovered from encroachers, with an additional 50 acres reclaimed in earlier enforcement drives.
The court also noted that of the total notified forest area of 2,866 acres, certain portions had been leased decades ago to the Mira Behn society. While 594 acres were returned to the Forest Department long ago, unauthorised control by private individuals continued. Some claimants have presented alleged agreements or decrees to justify possession, but the court questioned the legality of such claims in light of the prolonged inaction by state authorities.
To address the issue comprehensively, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of proceedings and directed senior state officials to form an inquiry committee. The committee is required to investigate the scale and nature of illegal constructions, identify responsible officers, and submit a detailed report. Until further orders, private individuals are restrained from transferring, selling, or creating any third-party rights over the forest land.
The bench emphasised that the state must take immediate and effective measures to protect government forest land and prevent further encroachments. It underscored that ongoing inaction could be construed as negligence and called for accountability of officials responsible for monitoring and safeguarding the land. The court's intervention reflects the judiciary's focus on transparency, protection of public property, and the rule of law in forest management.
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