PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Ramnagar
Intensifying its drive against encroachment on forest land, the Forest department is once again preparing for strict action in Puchhdi village of Ramnagar. Preparations are underway to demolish encroachments belonging to 72 occupants, triggering an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty across the area.
The divisional forest officer, Terai West Forest Division, P C Arya said that forest land in Puchhdi village has been under illegal occupation for a long time and the department had taken action in the past. “As many as 51 illegal structures were demolished and the land was reclaimed in the first phase in December last. The land, allocated to the municipal council for a dumping ground, was also freed from encroachment and restored,” he added.
In the second phase, eviction orders have now been issued against 72 encroachers. Around 50 of them have filed appeals before the chief conservator of forests. “Demolition will begin once final decisions on these appeals come. Further, notices have been issued to nearly 70 more alleged encroachers,” he said.
The DFO made it clear that any form of illegal occupation on forest land would not be tolerated and the anti-encroachment drive will continue.
Meanwhile, the department’s strict stance has left villagers staring at eviction. “We are living under fear and uncertainty. We have urged the authorities to consider humanitarian aspects and work towards a fair solution for the affected families,” a villager said.
