Ramnagar – A major encroachment removal drive was carried out on Sunday in the Poochri area of Ramnagar, where the Forest Department demolished 52 illegal structures, including 15 permanent houses, displacing 51 families. The operation began early in the morning and continued for nearly seven hours, during which emotional scenes unfolded as families evacuated their homes amid tears and distress.
During the action, discussions across the locality centred around the names Salim and Tahir, who allegedly sold forest land to residents for amounts ranging between ₹1 lakh and ₹3 lakh. Last year, an investigation revealed that approximately 170 families had purchased plots from these individuals using ₹10 stamp papers. Subsequently, cases were filed against Mohd. Tahir, Azmat, Faheem Ahmed, Usman Khan, Kamla Devi and Dhirendra for illegal land dealing.
Many families began vacating their homes late Saturday night after electricity was disconnected in the area. In darkness and constant loud announcements, residents were seen weeping as they removed belongings. By morning, people left with children in their arms and tears in their eyes.
A joint team from the Forest Department, Revenue Department and Police conducted the demolition using nine JCB machines and four Pokland excavators. The operation freed 25 hectares of forest land from encroachment. According to officials, resistance was attempted by some groups, but heavy police deployment prevented disruption. More than 300 police personnel were stationed at the site.
Officials explained that around a decade ago, over 100 hectares of forest land had been illegally occupied and converted into an unauthorized colony. Notices had been issued to the encroachers since last year. On Sunday morning, authorities issued a final warning at 5 AM and began demolition at 6 AM.
During the operation, land allotted for the municipal trenching ground in 2019—about 12 bighas leased from the Forest Department for ₹98 lakh—was also cleared. Of this, 9 bighas had been encroached upon. The land has now been reclaimed.
SSP Nainital Manjunath TC confirmed that the names of Tahir and Salim emerged again during the operation, and police investigations are ongoing. Action will follow upon conclusion of the inquiry.
Over 13 people, including Uttarakhand Parivartan Party General Secretary Prabhat Dhayni, were detained for protesting and attempting to block the operation pathway. They were later released in the evening.
“The police is conducting a detailed investigation. Further legal action will be taken based on evidence,” – SSP Manjunath.
