Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal to Probe Illegal Helipads on Forestland; Minister Promises Strict Action and Blames BJP for Neglect
Himachal Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi announces a probe into illegal helipads built on forestland without FCA clearance, including 16 in Seraj, Mandi. He accuses the previous BJP government of violations, financial mismanagement, and political destabilisation while highlighting the state’s demand for fair disaster relief.
Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi has announced that the state government will launch a formal investigation into helipads allegedly constructed on forestland without the mandatory Forest Conservation Act (FCA) clearance. This includes 16 helipads built in the Seraj region of Mandi district during the previous BJP government. Negi said that strict legal action would be taken if any violations are confirmed.
Speaking to the media while overseeing preparations for the state government’s Jan Sankalp Sammelan scheduled for December 11 at Paddal Ground, Negi said the event would be “historic”. He accused the BJP of trying to politicise the rally, adding that the government had made extensive arrangements to ensure its success. New welfare initiatives under the “Atmanirbhar Himachal” vision are expected to be unveiled during the event.
In a sharp attack on the Opposition, the minister said the state had faced “two kinds of disasters — one natural and the other political”. He alleged that the BJP attempted to topple the democratically elected government using money power. Despite Himachal suffering severe losses due to natural disasters in 2023, 2024 and 2025, Negi claimed that the Centre failed to release adequate relief funds.
He reiterated that Himachal Pradesh was claiming its rightful due from the Centre, “not charity”, and accused the Union Government of favouring BJP-ruled states. Negi further alleged that the previous state government left behind a debt of ₹75,000 crore and spent crores on projects that offered “no public benefit” as part of its “Mission Repeat” campaign.
Negi also pointed out that the ₹1,500 crore disaster relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dharamsala had not been fully released, nor had the promised compensation reached affected families. He added that no special package had been granted for the 2023 natural disaster.
On the issue of encroachments, the minister confirmed that besides the 16 helipads in Seraj, 55 roads built without proper FRA clearances were also under review. He assured that the state government remained committed to enforcing environmental laws and ensuring full accountability in such cases.
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