20,000 Hectares of Forest Land Encroached Upon in MP's Satna and Maihar: What is Forest Dept Doing?
MP Forest Department Reclaims 962 Hectares This Year, but Over 19,000 Hectares Remain Under Illegal Occupation
Satna: Approximately 19,995 hectares of valuable forest land in the Satna and Maihar districts are under illegal occupation, raising concerns regarding forest conservation and the protection of wildlife. According to official data, the Forest Department has reclaimed 962.35 hectares of land this year and registered 75 new cases of encroachment.
Despite these efforts, about 19,032.65 hectares of land remain under illegal occupation. Such large-scale encroachment threatens wildlife habitats, disrupts the ecological balance, and may also impact groundwater levels.
Disputed Land Records Hinder Enforcement Action
Environmentalists have questioned the Forest Department's capacity to protect forest land. They allege that encroachers are clearing forests for cultivation, while action is frequently delayed due to disputes surrounding land records.
Another significant issue pertains to land titles that were allegedly issued by the Revenue Department decades ago. Some encroachers use these documents to assert ownership claims over forest land. However, under Section 1(2) of the 'Madhya Pradesh Land Revenue Code, 1959', forest areas declared as 'reserved' or 'protected' under the 'Indian Forest Act, 1927' are excluded from the purview of this Code. The validity of these documents is currently being examined.
Forest Department is planning further action
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Mayank Chandiawal stated that the department has cleared illegal encroachments from approximately 1,000 hectares of land and has planted trees on it.
He added that their priority is to free more forest land from illegal encroachment and expand the tree cover, thereby providing more space for wildlife to inhabit.
The department is also scrutinizing land documents issued by the Revenue Department. If the investigation reveals that these documents were issued in violation of the rules, a report will be submitted to the Revenue Department and the Collector, recommending their cancellation.
The challenge now lies in how to reclaim the remaining forest land and prevent future illegal encroachments.