Major Crackdown on Illegal Encroachments in Kotkhai: 100 Apple Trees Felled on Day One

Shimla, July 13

A long-awaited operation to reclaim 275 bighas of forest land in Chaithla village of Kotkhai subdivision, Shimla district, commenced on Saturday with swift and decisive action. On the first day alone, the Forest Department removed approximately 100 illegally planted apple trees, with plans underway to clear over 3,800 more in the coming days.

The operation was launched in compliance with a directive from the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Kotkhai SDM Mohan Sharma is leading the effort, supported on-ground by DFO Theog Munish Rampal, DSP Theog Sidha Sharma, the Range Officer, 15 forest department staff, five earth-moving machines, five laborers, and a six-member reserve police force. The campaign began at 1:30 p.m., and despite intermittent rain, three land plots (khasra numbers) have already been cleared of encroachment.

To maintain law and order, additional security forces have been stationed at the Kotkhai development block, with special mess arrangements provided. District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, banning the possession and transport of all licensed and unlicensed firearms in Chaithla village from July 11 to July 18.

All licensed firearm holders have been ordered to deposit their weapons at Kotkhai Police Station by July 12, where they will remain in safekeeping until July 18. This restriction, however, does not apply to police, paramilitary forces, government and semi-government personnel, or authorized bank security guards.

Authorities fear potential resistance from local residents, based on previous incidents cited in reports by the Shimla Superintendent of Police. These concerns prompted the deployment of additional forces and strict firearm restrictions.

The forest clearance drive is expected to continue in the coming days, as the matter had been under legal review for several years. Officials emphasized that restoring the forest land to its original state is a top priority. The administration has also made it clear: any future encroachment or unauthorized construction on forest land will be treated as a criminal offense and dealt with strictly under the law.