NGT Seeks Report On Encroached Forest Land In Pune, Directs District Collector To Clarify Status
NGT Seeks Report On Encroached Forest Land In Pune, Directs District Collector To Clarify Status
Pune, March 10, 2025 – The western bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Pune district collector to submit a detailed report on the encroachment of reserved forest land allocated by the revenue department. The tribunal has also sought information on ongoing litigation concerning the land, with the next hearing scheduled for April 25.
The case was registered suo moto by the principal bench of the NGT in September 2024 following a report highlighting the forest department’s struggle to reclaim 14,000 hectares of land in Pune. In response, the forest department submitted an affidavit stating that while 22,076.26 hectares of reserved forest land had been reclaimed, 14,631.03 hectares remained under the revenue department’s control. Portions of this land have been allotted to agriculturists and ex-army personnel, while some areas are under encroachment or entangled in legal disputes.
Several locations have seen the development of permanent structures and slums, making it difficult for the forest department to regain possession. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has also sought a factual report from the Maharashtra government regarding allegations of forest land conversion. The ministry will submit its response to the NGT once the report is received.
