The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the state government to clear all remaining encroachments on forest land by December 31, 2026. The direction was issued while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation related to large-scale illegal occupation of forest areas in the state.
A Division Bench of Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Bipin Chander Negi passed the order after reviewing a status report submitted by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Himachal Pradesh.
As per the report placed before the court, 13,335 cases of forest encroachment were identified across the state. Out of these, eviction has already been completed in 7,925 cases, while 5,410 cases are still pending for action.
The court noted that no further intervention was needed at this stage. However, it directed the authorities concerned to complete all remaining eviction work within the given deadline. It also reminded the forest department and district administrations of their duty to protect forest land and strictly enforce conservation laws.
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