Uttarakhand Faces SC Heat Over Decades-Old Forest Land Encroachment in Rishikesh
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The Supreme Court has taken a stern view of the Uttarakhand government's inaction in reclaiming thousands of acres of forest land in Rishikesh, which reverted to the state over four decades ago. The court initiated suo motu proceedings, citing shocking instances of large-scale encroachment by private parties. According to the court, over 2,800 acres of forest land, which was withdrawn from a land allotment in 1984, continues to be occupied by private individuals. The Supreme Court expressed concern over the state's failure to secure the land despite judicial findings and administrative withdrawal of the allotment. The court noted that the situation points to systemic apathy and has directed immediate administrative action, ordering the chief secretary and additional chief secretary to examine the matter and submit a detailed report by the first week of January. The court has restrained private parties from creating any third-party rights or alienating the land occupied by them, while allowing existing residential units to remain in place, pending further action. The case dates back to a November 2025 order of the Uttarakhand high court, which upheld eviction proceedings against a woman who occupied a residential unit allegedly built on forest land. The Supreme Court has taken cognizance of the situation and will monitor the matter, with further directions possible after examining the report to be submitted by the state authorities in January.
