Despite Eviction Order, Forest Land Remains Under Occupation of Influential Individuals
- A recent demarcation report confirmed the encroachment of 7 Kanals of forest land in Nagrota, involving influential individuals. However, despite an eviction order, the Forest Department has failed to remove the encroachers.
- While powerful individuals are allowed to seize forest land with impunity, the Forest Department swiftly evicts poor individuals who encroach on even small portions of land, highlighting a disturbing double standard.
- Many officers within the department have revealed feeling pressured by their superiors to engage in corrupt practices, highlighting a systemic issue within the organization.
- This case exposes a deep-rooted problem of corruption and favouritism within the Forest Department, demanding immediate action to ensure the protection of forest land and the fair and equitable application of law for all.
- Despite promises of action after the elections, the CCF has yet to take any steps to address the rampant encroachment of forest land, raising concerns about their commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring the rule of law.
jj correspondent
Jammu, June 18: A stark contrast in the Forest Department’s approach to land encroachment has exposed a deeply troubling double standard, leaving the public questioning the fairness and effectiveness of the department. While the poor and marginalized are swiftly evicted from any alleged encroachment, powerful and influential individuals are allowed to seize valuable forest land with impunity.
A recent joint-demarcation report, submitted on March 6, 2024, vide No DCJ, SQ/DEMR-Comm/Dhammi/Forest/2023-2024/ 6039-46 confirmed the encroachment of 7 Kanals of forest land in Nagrota, involving a group of individuals. The demarcation process was conducted on 06/01, 2024 by a team headed by Tehsildar Nagrota, including Surinder Singh Chib, Range Officer, Jammu, Suraj Prakash, Range Officer, Demarcation, Jammu, Prithi Pal Singh, Naib Tehsildar, Nagrota, Brij Kumar Sharma, Naib Tehsildar-Demarcation, Forest Division, Jammu, Noor Mohd, Girdawar Circle, Nagrota, and Navjot Bakshi, Patwari, Halka Nagrota.
Despite this confirmation, the Forest Department, under Estate Officer Suresh Manda, IFS, Divisional Forest Officer, Jammu Forest Division, issued an eviction order under the Indian Forest Act 1927 (letter No. EO/JFD/800-04) on May 13, 2024, to the encroachers. The order was based on confirmation by Range Officer Jammu in his letters No. 290/JR dated 8/11/2024 and No. 448/JR dated 13/03/2024.
However, despite this eviction order, sources claim that an eviction team was sent to the location, but mysteriously failed to remove the encroachers. This raises serious questions about the department’s commitment to protecting forest land.
In a recent conversation, the Chief Conservator of Forests had told Jammu Jottings that direct action would be taken after the elections. However, no action has been taken yet, raising questions about the sincerity of this promise. It remains to be seen whether the Forest Department will follow through with their commitment or if this was another empty pledge.
While the Forest Department remains seemingly inactive in the case of influential individuals encroaching upon forest land, they are quick to evict the poor, often with media fanfare, demonstrating a disturbing disparity in the application of law. This double standard has created widespread discontent amongst the common people who are losing faith in the justice system.
Numerous reports highlight how the Forest Department, often under pressure from powerful individuals, overlooks large-scale encroachments, sometimes involving hundreds of Kanals. Within the Jammu division alone, hundreds of Kanals of forest land are reportedly under encroachment.
Many officers have revealed that their attempts to uphold the law are often thwarted by their superiors, who pressure them to engage in shady deals, leaving them feeling helpless and powerless.
While forest land is being encroached upon by influential individuals, the Forest Department seems to turn a blind eye. Despite social activists raising concerns and providing documented evidence, the department rarely takes action against these powerful figures, instead offering them loopholes to escape legal consequences. However, the same department acts with alarming swiftness when it comes to evicting poor individuals who may encroach upon a small portion of land for their livelihood. This blatant disparity in enforcement begs the question: is the Forest Department’s action reserved solely for the poor, while the rich and influential enjoy impunity?
The Forest Department’s selective enforcement of the law, protecting the wealthy and influential while targeting the poor, not only undermines the rule of law but also sends a dangerous message: that those with power and influence are above the law. This blatant disregard for the environment and the rights of the common people must be addressed urgently. The public demands a fair and equitable application of law, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their social standing, are held accountable for their actions.
This incident exposes a systemic flaw within the Forest Department, requiring a complete overhaul of its practices to ensure justice and fairness for all.
