PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The leader of opposition in Vidhan Sabha Yashpal Arya has said that the encroachment on 40 Bighas of forest land in Khalanga of Dehradun and construction activity there has raised a question mark on the land management system of the State.
Arya alleged that land mafias are eyeing this forest for commercial gain and are preparing to set up a campsite or resort in the area. He said it is surprising that a person claimed ownership of this reserved forest land and even leased it to another person, who then started building a structure there.
Arya said that if a camp or resort is constructed in this forest, it will put old trees at risk of destruction. The Khalanga forest is a historically significant and ecologically rich area. Arya stated that it is a matter of grave concern that unlawful construction is proceeding under the very jurisdiction of the Forest department, yet neither the department nor the police nor the State government had any knowledge of the activity. Meanwhile, forest-dwellers, including Van Gujjars, face harassment and eviction, even as land grabbers continue their unlawful occupation, he claimed.
Arya demanded the strongest possible action against land mafias, corrupt officials, or anyone in power who is involved in looting the State’s forests, land and water resources. He called for a high-level, time-bound inquiry into the matter and for a clear account of how much forest land has been encroached upon in this manner.
