High Court Calls For Reports From Neighbouring States Over Measures Taken To Remove Illegal Encroachments In Reserve Forests Near Assam's Borders

The Gauhati High Court recently directed the States of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to file affidavits regarding the measures carried out by them to remove the illegal encroachments in the reserve forest land situated in the inter-state border of these States with the State of Assam. While considering the fact that mostly the encroachments have been made on the land falling within the reserve forest areas of Assam bordering the States of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, the Court, vide order dated July 26, 2023, directed the respective counsel representing the States of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to file their response. However, the court observed that from the affidavits submitted by the States of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, it cannot be gathered that the State Governments of the above referred three States have come out with any suggestions as to how to make the reserve forest land situated in the inter-State border areas encroachment free. Thus, the Court directed the States of Mizoram, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh to file their respective affidavits, within six weeks, highlighting the steps taken by them to remove the illegal encroachments in the reserve forest land situated in the inter-state border of these States with the State of Assam.