Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Action on Forest Land Encroachment in Uttarakhand
The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu notice of large-scale encroachment and illegal occupation of forest land in Uttarakhand. The Court passed strict directions to immediately stop all construction activities on forest land.
The matter was heard during a vacation sitting by a Bench led by CJI Surya Kant along with Justice Joymalya Bagchi. The case relates to unauthorised occupation of protected forest areas in the hill districts of Uttarakhand.
During the hearing, the Court expressed serious concern over the inaction of the State authorities. CJI Surya Kant strongly criticised the State administration for failing to act on time, despite forest land being openly encroached upon.
Calling the situation “shocking”, the Chief Justice observed that the State and its officials appeared to be silent spectators while forest land was being illegally grabbed. Due to the seriousness of the issue and lack of effective response, the Court decided to intervene on its own.
To prevent further damage, the Supreme Court ordered an immediate halt on all construction activities on forest land. It also restrained private individuals from creating any third-party rights over such land.
The Court further directed that all vacant forest land, except areas where residential houses already exist, must be taken into possession by the Forest Department without delay. This measure aims to maintain the existing situation until the matter is fully examined.
In addition, the Court instructed the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to constitute a fact-finding committee. The committee has been asked to assess the ground situation and submit a detailed report to the Court, explaining the extent of encroachment and the steps taken by the authorities so far.
The case has been listed for further hearing on January 5, after the Court reopens.
Illegal occupation of forest land has become a serious concern in Uttarakhand, especially in ecologically fragile hill areas. Media reports have highlighted how forest land near expanding urban and semi-urban regions has been slowly taken over for private use, raising long-standing concerns about environmental damage and weak enforcement.
