As the world marked World Environment Day, the Forest Department in Ludhiana district faces delays in its afforestation plans, with nearly 200 to 250 acres of forest land still awaiting formal transfer and possession.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that despite repeated requests to the concerned authorities, several parcels of land across Ludhiana remain either under encroachment or await formal handover to the Forest Department. This situation impedes the department’s ability to expand the green cover and undertake crucial plantation drives.
Environmentalist Col Jasjit Singh Gill highlighted the ongoing efforts, stating that the Forest Department has formally communicated with the district administration to initiate the demarcation of these legally owned land parcels. “The department has already won cases against village panchayats and individual encroachers. The only pending step is demarcation and handing over possession of the land to the Forest Department,” Col Gill stated. He added that once possession is secured, the department can proceed with developing these areas, thereby significantly contributing to the district’s environmental well-being and green cover expansion.
Specific land parcels identified as awaiting transfer are located in the villages of Khera Bet-I, Khera Bet-II, Kot Umra, and Gorsian Khan Mohammad. In Kot Umra, the Forest Department has been successful in reclaiming land in 22 cases, but approximately 50 acres are yet to be restored. Similarly, in Gorsian Khan Mohammad, the department secured victories in 45 cases, involving nearly 167 acres that are slated for return. Further complicating the matter, around 79 acres in Khera Bet-I and 154 acres in Khera Bet-II are also in the process of being handed over, with a substantial portion reportedly under illegal occupation. Forest officials are optimistic that the formal transfer will enable them to implement extensive plantation initiatives.
Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain has acknowledged the issue and has directed the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Jagraon) to conduct a priority examination of the matter. “It is currently the paddy sowing season and field activity is at its peak. The demarcation process will be carried out as soon as possible so that the land can be handed back to the Forest Department,” the Deputy Commissioner assured, indicating a timeline for the resolution of these pending land transfers.
The delay in reclaiming these forest lands directly impacts the Forest Department’s capacity to implement its strategic afforestation programs, which are vital for enhancing ecological balance and combating environmental degradation in the region. The successful restoration of these acres is expected to significantly boost the district’s efforts towards increasing its forest cover, a key objective in environmental conservation initiatives.
The Chenab Times News Desk