The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has disposed of an Suo Moto application relating to encroachment in the Khudia forest range of Mungeli forest division in Chhattisgarh.
The Central Bench of Justice Sheo Kumar Singh and Dr A Senthil Vel has addressed the critical issue of encroachment in the Khudia forest range of Mungeli forest division in Chhattisgarh.
An article published on July 2, 2024, exposed illegal agricultural activities, deforestation, and construction of huts and fields across 214 hectares of protected forest land.
Despite previous orders and eviction proceedings, encroachment persisted, jeopardizing grazing land for animals and damaging local flora.
The tribunal directed the Forest Department to investigate and constitute a committee to submit a report.
The committee’s recommendations included:
– Implementing night surveillance to prevent further encroachment
– Installing caution boards and making public announcements
The tribunal accepted the report, directing the Forest Department to remove encroachments according to rules and prevent future encroachments.