Shimla, March 26,
In a recent session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on March 26, the State government acknowledged its inability to provide immediate relief to individuals facing eviction from government land due to High Court orders. The issue was raised by Congress MLA Sanjay Rattan during zero hour, highlighting the plight of families residing on forest land for generations. He pointed out that nearly 80 percent of the land in Khundiyan Tehsil, Jawalamukhi constituency, is classified as forest land, leaving many families vulnerable to displacement. Rattan urged the state government to halt the eviction process until the Supreme Court delivers a final ruling.
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Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi responded, stating that the government is bound by court rulings and cannot intervene without judicial directives. He mentioned that efforts were made to assist those affected, including a request to the central government to amend the Forest Conservation Act to provide land for families displaced due to natural disasters. He emphasized that only individuals who secured a stay order from the Supreme Court could present their case again.
Also read: Thousands of Himachal Farmers protest evictions, demand Land Rights
Negi further noted that many families had missed opportunities under the Forest Rights Act (FRA) due to a lack of awareness. To address this, the government is conducting workshops to educate officials and guide forest dwellers in claiming land rights. He criticized policies of the previous BJP-led government, stating that they overlooked legal implications, affecting over 1.63 lakh people who lost rights, including participation in Panchayat elections. The government has since increased the fine for encroachment from Rs 5000 to Rs 20000 and plans further amendments.
The State intends to become a party in the Supreme Court case of Godawarman vs. Union of India, concerning traditional land leasing policies. Additionally, a drive will be launched to assist tribal communities and other forest users in securing their rights under the FRA. While the government seeks legal avenues to support affected families, it remains constrained by High Court orders and existing legal frameworks, ensuring relief only through established judicial processes.
