A radical act was passed in the Parliament in 2006 which promised to undo the “historical injustice” that was committed on India’s forest dwellers by the non-recognition of their rights on the country’s forests. Himachal Pradesh is undermining this legislation.
On April 6, 2015 the Himachal Pradesh High Court ordered the removal of encroachments on “forest land” in the state, within six months. This has triggered an eviction drive by the Forest Department. This includes serving notices for removal of encroachments, disconnecting electricity and water supply provided to all “illegal” structures raised over encroached land and legal action in case of non-compliance. In upper Shimla, the Forest Department went to the extent of felling apple trees from orchards on “forest land”. In Kinnaur, 60 such notices were served to so-called “encroachers”. Fearing further action, the people of Kinnaur on July 25, 2015, organised a huge rally at District headquarters, Rekong Peo, questioning the manner in which the Forest Department is implementing the orders of the High Court.
See more at- http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/comment/himachal-undoes-a-pro-people-central-law/116882.html
