ForestLand – Over 225 Acres Cleared of Encroachments in Capital Areas

ForestLand – More than 225 acres of forest land across the national capital have been freed from illegal occupation over the past few years, according to official figures released by the forest department. The majority of this reclaimed land lies in the southern parts of the city, where large-scale clearance operations have been carried out since 2019.

Major Recoveries Concentrated in Southern Districts

Data shows that approximately 91.15 hectares, equivalent to around 225 acres, have been cleared of encroachments between the financial years 2019-20 and 2024-25. The South Forest Division accounts for the largest share of this recovery. Within this division, the South district alone saw the removal of encroachments from nearly 77 hectares of forest land during this period. While detailed annual figures for this district were not disclosed, officials confirmed that it represents the most significant contribution to the overall clearance.

In comparison, the South-East district recorded a smaller but steady removal of encroachments. Around 2.92 hectares, or roughly 7.2 acres, were cleared over the same timeframe. The year-wise breakdown indicates gradual progress, with 0.11 hectares cleared in 2019-20, followed by 1.85 hectares in 2020-21 and 0.56 hectares in 2021-22. Minimal activity was reported in 2022-23, while 0.4 hectares were cleared in 2023-24.

Western Division Also Sees Targeted Action

Efforts in the West Forest Division have also contributed to the overall recovery. Approximately 11.23 hectares, or close to 27.7 acres, of forest land were freed from encroachments between 2019-20 and 2023-24. These operations were primarily conducted in parts of the Southern Ridge located within the New Delhi district.

Areas such as Rajokari, Rangpuri, Ghitorni, and Mahipalpur were among those where action was taken. The data reflects a strong start in 2019-20, with 7.67 hectares cleared that year alone. Subsequent years saw smaller but consistent efforts, including 0.4 hectares in 2020-21, 1.57 hectares in 2021-22, 0.7 hectares in 2022-23, and 0.89 hectares in 2023-24.

Ongoing Coordination With Land Authorities

Officials noted that in several regions, especially those classified as deemed forests or managed by different government bodies, the process of verifying and reconciling land records is still underway. Coordination with land-owning agencies remains a key part of identifying and addressing encroachments in such areas.

In certain forest divisions, authorities reported no instances of encroachment on land directly under the forest department’s control. However, data related to other parcels of land continues to be updated through collaboration with revenue departments and other concerned agencies.

Measures Taken to Remove Illegal Occupation

The clearance drive has involved a range of administrative and field-level actions. These include issuing notices to occupants, conducting land demarcation exercises, and working closely with local authorities to dismantle unauthorized structures. Officials emphasized that such measures are part of a broader strategy to protect forest areas and maintain ecological balance within the city.

The latest figures come as part of ongoing monitoring efforts aimed at preserving forest cover and ensuring that public land remains free from illegal use. Authorities have indicated that further updates will be shared as additional areas are surveyed and verified.