Srinagar- Nearly 14 hectares of forest land from two wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu region have been encroached by different individuals, groups and agencies till 2023.
According to the official figures at least 6.35 hectares of forest land from Ramnagar and 7.50 hectares of forest land from Nandini wildlife sanctuaries have been encroached.
This information was revealed by the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the regional wildlife warden of the department in reply to the Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the activist M M Shuja.
The official record reveals that there is a total of 3150 hectares of land in Ramnagar wildlife sanctuary and 3334 in Nandini sanctuary respectively.
The PIO in a reply said that the encroachments are prior to the notification of the areas as protected areas.
“However, the department has taken up the matter with the concerned revenue authorities for settlement of rights, so that further course of action can be initiated,” it said.
On inquiring about the details of forest land which has been encroached, the PIO said that in 2012, under the government proposal, Four Lanning of National Highway in Ramnagar WLS was made in which 7.97 hectares of land was transferred.
The official also said that in 2021, over 1.50 hectares of land were transferred for development of Package-17 (KM 515+000 to KM 566+475) of Phase-ll of Delhi-Katra Expressway
It further said that in 2020, at least 0.70 hectares and 0.22 hectares of land were transferred for construction of road from Mantlai to Gamsadu road and Barkunda to Kharwa respectively,” it reads.
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