Adopt scientific approach to curb encroachments: HC to Raj

Jodhpur: Rajasthan High Court has directed the government to evolve and adopt scientific approach for dealing with the problems of encroachment on forest land and other similar issues, whereby the natural resources in the shape of forests, reserve lands, hills, reservoirs and protected areas are directly in conflict with the ever-expanding population pushing the city limits.While hearing a PIL pertaining to encroachment on seven forest divisions of Jodhpur, the division bench of Justice PS Bhati and Justice Munnuri Laxman mentioned in its order that the state shall be required to comply with its directions and submit a separate compliance report.The court directed the state to ensure procurement of a phased report pertaining to last 24 years which can be on two yearly basis each, indicating, satellite mapping, high resolution satellite images/aerial photographs to be utilised in demarcating the territories of the preserved areas, comprising forest, hills and lakes of the state. These maps and data will have to updated ideally every six months.These maps and tools, the court stated, will have to be employed in creating a comprehensive base map to be considered while granting permission for construction and sanctioning plans, for surveillance and monitoring of specific areas that require continuous monitoring and protection to prevent illegal activities such as encroachment and delineation of boundaries with respect to the coordinates of the chosen areas.The hearing of the petition had taken place on March 5 in the presence of the ACS (forest, environment and climate change) Aparna Arora, the court pronounced order on Monday listing the matter for hearing with compliance report on July 8.While taking serious note of continuous negligence in compliance of the court’s orders periodically, the court stated that the state is required to act in a manner, that may reflect its being a welfare state and is committed to stand up to the expectation of even an ordinary citizen, more particularly, towards the sustainable development, thereby balancing the equities between the nature, its resources and the ever-increasing urbanisation.

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