Daijiworld Media Network – Nainital

Nainital, Dec 8: In a major crackdown on alleged encroachments, the Nainital district administration demolished 52 houses in the Reserve Forest area of Terai West division, Ramnagar Range on Sunday. The exercise began at 5 am with a massive police deployment, and several residents, including women, claimed they were detained and taken to police stations up to 30 km away.

Divisional Forest Officer (Terai West) Prashant Arya said the residents had been issued notices and multiple hearings were conducted before the action. “We have given the residents ample time to prove ownership. This patch of land is part of 200 hectares of forest encroached upon. On Sunday, 25 hectares were cleared, affecting 52 households,” he said.

At least 170 households have rec

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