Preparations Underway to Remove Illegal Apple Orchards from Forest Land in Kotkhai; Ban on Carrying Weapons Imposed
Shimla, July 11, 2025:
In compliance with a directive from the Himachal Pradesh High Court, authorities in Shimla district have begun preparations to remove illegally established apple orchards on forest land in Chaithla village, under Kotkhai Tehsil. Given the sensitivity of the operation, District Magistrate Anupam Kashyap has imposed a ban on carrying weapons in the area until July 18, 2025, to maintain law and order during the proceedings.
The official order clearly states that this restriction applies to civilians only. It exempts personnel from the police, paramilitary forces, security agencies, and other authorized government security personnel.
According to the directive, all licensed weapon holders in Chaithla village must deposit their firearms at Kotkhai Police Station by July 12, 2025. These weapons will remain in police custody until July 18, after which they will be returned.
This precautionary measure aims to pre-empt any potential unrest or resistance during the forest land clearance. The district administration has made it clear that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the order.
This move is part of a statewide campaign to reclaim forest land from illegal encroachments, in line with High Court orders. The action planned in Chaithla is one of many such initiatives being carried out across Himachal Pradesh to uphold environmental and legal norms.
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