Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma emphasized that the government cannot act beyond the legal framework regarding the forest land encroachment by several families in Pekucherra, North Tripura district. Addressing the media on Tuesday, Debbarma stated that under the Forest Act, forest land cannot be encroached upon.
“If the families are landless, they can apply for Khas land; the government will consider their applications. However, in cases of forest land encroachment, the government is bound by law and cannot intervene beyond its legal mandate,” clarified Debbarma.
He further warned that if the families illegally occupying the forest land in Pekucherra do not vacate the premises voluntarily, a joint eviction operation will be conducted by the District Administration, Forest Department, and Police.
Debbarma revealed that around 20-22 families temporarily residing in Pekucherra had been issued show-cause notices twice before the eviction notice was served, but no adequate response was received. Consequently, the three departments will coordinate to set a date and execute the eviction drive to clear the encroachment.
