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Una Court Orders Immediate Removal of Encroachments from Protected Wetland

A court in Himachal Pradesh's Una district has ordered the immediate removal of all illegal encroachments from a protected wetland. The court stressed that wetlands are sensitive ecological zones that cannot be used for private or commercial purposes. It specifically directed the removal of illegal fencing and the restoration of any land brought under unlawful cultivation. Authorities must submit a detailed compliance report by the next hearing date.

Key Points: Court Orders Removal of Encroachments from Himachal Wetland

  • Court orders immediate encroachment removal
  • Wetlands are ecologically sensitive zones
  • Illegal farming and structures threaten wildlife
  • Authorities must submit compliance report
2 min read

Himachal: Una Court orders immediate removal of encroachments from wetland to protect wildlife

Himachal court directs immediate removal of illegal encroachments from a protected wetland to safeguard wildlife and restore the local ecology.

"all fencing raised illegally around the wetland shall be removed forthwith - Una Court Order"

Shimla, January 9

A court in Himachal Pradesh's Una district has directed the administration to immediately remove illegal encroachments from a protected wetland area, stressing that any delay would cause serious harm to wildlife habitat and the local ecology.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Una, while passing the order earlier this week (January 7) instructed the authorities concerned to clear all unlawful occupation from the notified wetland and restore the area to its original status. The court observed that wetlands are ecologically sensitive zones and cannot be permitted to be used for private or commercial purposes.

Quoting the court order, it was stated that "all fencing raised illegally around the wetland shall be removed forthwith, and any land brought under cultivation in violation of law shall be restored to its original condition." The court further restrained the encroachers from carrying out any farming or allied activities within the demarcated wetland area.

The court also took serious note of the use of wetland soil for the construction of enclosures and other structures, observing that such activities directly threaten wildlife and disturb the fragile ecological balance. The authorities were directed to take immediate action against such structures.

To ensure compliance, the CJM directed forest officials to submit a detailed status report by the next hearing date. The report must include the latest survey of encroachments, the steps taken to remove them, and supporting documents related to prior departmental notices and actions.

The respondents in the case include the District Forest Officer, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and senior forest officials, including the Conservator of Forests, Dharamshala, with approvals and inputs from the Wildlife Wing.

The court made it clear that the directions were issued in the interest of environmental protection and wildlife conservation and warned that any laxity in implementation would be taken seriously.

The matter has been listed for further proceedings on a subsequent date, by which time the authorities have been asked to ensure substantial compliance with the court's directions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
Good decision, but the real test is implementation. Forest officials often face political pressure from local encroachers. Hope they submit a truthful report and the court monitors it strictly. Our wildlife can't wait for bureaucratic delays.
A
Aman W
While I support conservation, I hope the administration also looks at rehabilitating any poor families who might have been dependent on that land for livelihood. Protection and people's welfare must go hand in hand.
S
Sarah B
As someone who loves visiting Himachal, it's heartbreaking to see natural areas being destroyed for short-term gain. This court order gives me hope. We need more such proactive judiciary across all states to save our environment.
V
Vikram M
Finally some action! These encroachments happen because authorities look the other way initially. The court naming specific officers is important—it fixes accountability. Now let's see if they do their duty.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: The order is great, but why did it take a court case? The forest department should have been vigilant and taken suo moto action. Our systems are too reactive instead of being preventive.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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