A special team has been established to look into whether the Revenue Department controls reserve forest land in Himachal Pradesh or if it has been given to private entities. This team was assembled by the Chief Secretary in response to a Supreme Court ruling. Its chairperson is the Additional Chief Secretary, Forests, and its member is the Revenue Secretary. The Principal Chief Conservator of Wildlife, the Director of Land Records, the District Attorney for Forests, the Director of the Forest Department, and the Additional PCCF serve as the committee’s members secretary.
The Chief Secretary has declared that this special team will look into whether reserve forest land in Himachal Pradesh is in private possession, has been given to a person or organization by the Revenue Department, or has been used for purposes other than forestry in compliance with the Supreme Court’s order. Action will be taken to reclaim such land if it is discovered. The Central Empowered Committee will receive a progress report that has been produced.
Additionally, all pertinent departments will receive instructions from this special team on how to return such land. A deadline of May 14, 2026, has been set for the team. Notably, reserved forest land is also being distributed in other states, according to the Supreme Court’s ruling in the TN Godavaran v. Union of India case. The Forest Conservation Act should not be followed in this situation.
The Hatkoti Special Area in the Shimla district now has a completed land use map. The Chairman of the Special Area Development Authority and SDM Jubbal issued a notice for public objections. The land use map has not been altered despite the recommendations. This map is available for viewing at the TCP office in Rohru or the SDM office in Jubbal. The Mata Hateswari complex is located in Hatkoti, which has been designated as a special area.
