Home / Environment / Himachal's Forests Under Siege: Nearly 4,000 Hectares Encroached
Himachal's Forests Under Siege: Nearly 4,000 Hectares Encroached
8 May
Summary
- Nearly 4,000 hectares of Himachal's forest land lost to illegal encroachments.
- Shimla district accounts for nearly half of the total encroached forest land.
- Eviction orders issued, but appeals and court cases delay full removal.
The Himachal Pradesh government has disclosed that approximately 3,816.83 hectares of forest land have been lost to illegal encroachments. This represents about 0.11% of the state's total forest cover. Eviction orders have been issued for numerous cases, but appeals before authorities and the High Court mean some encroachments persist. The Forest Department filed an affidavit before the National Green Tribunal detailing the situation as of March 2024.
Shimla district recorded the highest extent of forest encroachment, with 1,839.73 hectares under illegal occupation, nearly half of the state's total. Kullu district followed, with 815.06 hectares encroached. Other districts like Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Sirmaur, and Kinnaur also reported significant encroachments. The government has successfully removed encroachments from over 2,573 hectares.
