Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh): In a large-scale joint operation, the Forest Department and police cleared 70 bighas of illegally encroached forest land using bulldozers.
The action took place in the Vijaypur East forest range, specifically in the Nitinwas and Khurjan beats, where unauthorised settlements had been established.
More than a dozen people had illegally cut down green trees and set up temporary huts to cultivate land inside the forest. Beat officers discovered the encroachment during routine patrolling and immediately alerted senior officials. Following their report, the Forest Department decided to take swift action to reclaim the land.
According to information, on the orders of senior authorities, teams from Vijaypur East, Vijaypur West, and Veerpur forest ranges, along with personnel from SAF and Pahargarh police, launched an eviction drive. According to officials, the encroachers, who were allegedly from Morena district, had occupied forest land, built huts, and started farming activities.
The operation, conducted under the supervision of the Sub-Divisional Forest Officer, involved the use of bulldozers to demolish unauthorized settlements. As a result, over 70 bighas of forest land were successfully freed from illegal occupation. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those attempting to encroach on forest land in the future. The Forest Department continues to monitor the area to prevent further illegal settlements and ensure the protection of forest resources.
