Rishikesh: Chaos erupts over encroachment removal after court order, with residents pelting stones at the administration.:

News Topical, Digital Desk : Following the Supreme Court's order, the Forest Department has now launched a major action on the ground. The Forest Department has identified vacant land in the Rishikesh area and has expedited the process of taking possession. The action on the land owned by the Pashulok Seva Samiti has been ongoing for the past two days, creating an atmosphere of tension and anger in the area.

A heavy police force and forest department team, in the presence of the sub-district magistrate, have been deployed to deal with any untoward incident during the operation. The forest department has begun taking possession of the identified land. This action has caused both fear and resentment among the local population.

Angry people blocked the national highway.

Angry protesters blocked the national highway in protest of the Forest Department's actions. The situation continued, as protesters reached the railway tracks near the Mansa Devi Gate and briefly disrupted rail traffic. This caused significant inconvenience to commuters. Police arrived at the scene and attempted to pacify the situation and brought the situation under control.

Local residents allege that they have lived here for the past 50 years and are now being evicted. They say they have no other place to live. They question where they should go if they are being evicted. Residents have also demanded rehabilitation from the administration.

According to the action rules

Dehradun DFO Amit Kunwar has issued a statement on this entire matter. The DFO clarified that this action is being taken in accordance with the Supreme Court's order of December 22, 2025. He stated that only vacant forest land has been identified and taken over, and the entire process is being carried out in accordance with the law.

Stone pelting suddenly started

The police administration is constantly trying to reason with the people, but they are unwilling to listen. Suddenly, a mob of people pelted the police with stones. Police retreated from the scene to avoid injury. The crowd appeared to be in a state of agitation. Police also resorted to lathi-charge to disperse the crowd. However, due to the large crowd, the tracks have not yet been cleared. The situation remains serious.

The administration is closely monitoring the situation. Given the tension, extra vigilance is being maintained and police forces have been deployed in the area to prevent any law and order situation.