An unauthorized gate erected deep inside the Khalanga reserve forest has triggered protests from local residents and environmentalists, raising alarm over potential commercial exploitation of ecologically sensitive land.
According to forest department officials, construction activity damaged 22 trees and saplings before being halted Friday evening. The department confirmed that work was carried out without official permission, prompting immediate legal action. A case has been filed against the landowner under the Tree Protection Act, 1976, and the Forest Offence Act is being invoked to address violations, TOI reported,
A viral video circulating on social media showed a local woman confronting a contractor at the site. The contractor claimed that the 40 bigha plot belonged to a Rishikesh-based individual and that the area was being prepared for a campsite. In response, concerned residents gathered at the location and demanded intervention. Colonel Vikram Singh Thapa, a local resident, stated that activists are preparing to file formal complaints and have requested inquiries by both forest and revenue officials into the alleged sale of forest land.
Mussoorie Divisional Forest Officer Amit Kanwar clarified that under Supreme Court guidelines, even privately owned land within forest boundaries retains its forest classification, prohibiting any commercial activity. “A ground survey is under way to assess tree clearance, after which the department will take action under the forest offence act and serve notice to the owner,” Kanwar said. The department has also sought clarification on boundary demarcations from the district administration.
Eco-activist Sanjeev Srivastava warned of unchecked damage if commercial ventures proceed, emphasizing that the forest department should reclaim control and compensate any rightful owners to protect the area. Social activist Anoop Nautiyal echoed these concerns, calling the incident a “green dacoity” near Dehradun’s city center.
The Khalanga reserve forest not only supports rich biodiversity, including dense Sal tree cover, but also holds historical significance for the Gorkha community. It houses the Khalanga War Memorial, commemorating the 1814 Battle of Nalapani, where Gorkha soldiers defended against British forces.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by our editors.
Photo by Yami Yamini on Unsplash
Leave a Reply