The Guwahati High Court has issued an important directive. The court clarified that the forest land cleared from the encroachers cannot be used for any other purpose. Instead, this land simply needs to be reforested by planting trees to restore ecological balance.
The court has taken a strict stance against people living illegally in reserved forest areas. All encroachers have been directed to vacate the forest land within 30 days. If the land is not vacated within the stipulated time, the authorities will take strict action against them. The High Court has asked the district administration, police and forest department to work together in conducting anti-encroachment operations.
The bench emphasized that after vacating the land, it cannot be used for any development project. Only green cover should be planned to restore the forest environment.
The court also said documents like Aadhaar card or voter ID card would not provide any legal protection to those living illegally in forest areas. Also, the court directed the Assam Power Distribution Company Limited to immediately disconnect the power connections of those encroaching on forest land illegally.