Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Protesters Block Highway in Rishikesh Over Forest Land Encroachment
In Rishikesh, people were upset about a survey to mark forest land that was taken over illegally.
They blocked a highway and threw stones at officials.
The Supreme Court had told the Uttarakhand government to stop all building on this land.
A long time ago, some land was given to a society to help people without land, but later, the government took it back.
Some people still live on that land, and the court wants to know what's happening.
The government has to report back to the court soon.
Protesters in Rishikesh blocked a highway and allegedly pelted stones at officials during a land survey.
The survey was conducted to demarcate 2,866 acres of notified forest land encroached upon by private individuals.
The Supreme Court directed the Uttarakhand government to halt all construction on encroached forest land and form an inquiry committee.
A compliance report is to be submitted to the court before January 5, 2024.
The land was initially leased to Pashulok Sewa Samiti in 1950 and later surrendered partially in 1984.
- Who
- Local residents of Rishikesh and officials including police, administration, and Forest Department
- What
- Protesters blocked a highway and allegedly pelted stones at officials during a land survey
- When
- Days after the Supreme Court's direction on December 31, 2023
- Where
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Why
- To protest against the survey and demarcation of encroached forest land
- Location
- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Land in Question
- 2,866 acres of notified forest land
- Society Involved
- Pashulok Sewa Samiti
- Land Surrendered
- 594 acres in 1984
- Court Hearing
- January 5, 2024
- Key Figures
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi
- Action Taken
- Flag march conducted by police
- Authorities Involved
- Police, administration, Forest Department
