Sir,
Our pluralistic society must appreciate if someone dares to take action against the mis-doers. After a very long gap some political initiative has been ventured by Forest Minister and the Forest Department of J&K to take up untiring drive to evict the encroachers from the Forest land and land mafia in urban lands.
A sizeable land has been evicted from the clutches of illegal occupants. Political will on this score has been seen after decades together. But, unfortunately, the move has been discouraged. This discouragement is anti human-not only that it is against the law of land but against the survival of mankind.
Already tremendous damage has been caused to the Forests of State due to over pressures and manipulation of actual records by miscreants. The day is not far when we and our generations shall face the consequences and wrath of nature.
Whole world is aware of the grave situation caused due to deforestation, climate change and over population.
It is also a fact that sizeable number of people amongst Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and other economically weaker sections of the society are homeless. Our law of land guides the State to allot land to the homeless people of State from State lands especially Khalsa Sarkar lands. Unfortunately, most of such lands have been occupied by the well off people either due to their muscle power, political power or other types of influences under Roshni Act or otherwise. Leaving the homeless poor strata high and dry. The State Government should conduct a sincere survey unlike that of BPL to enlist the families who are homeless or big families living in acute congested places under compulsion and allot them the land for their houses suitably free of cost. So that every person feels his State hood and nationality with a sense of pride,responsibility and dignity.
We appreciates the drive for eviction of encroachers and illegal occupants from the Forest lands with due punishment under the provisions of law and save the State and its people from the wrong doers, musclemen and land mafia. The Forest department should carry on the drive impartially in the best interest of State. If it is undone, we are sure, it will never be done. The whole civil society oughtn’t to appreciate the move. Better late than never.
The Govt. must also sincerely frame policy to allot land to the homeless people out of Revenue/ Khalsa Sarkar/ State lands in collaboration with Revenue department, Forest department, Urban & Rural departments. Sooner is the better..
Yours etc…
R.L.Bharti
Former-President, All J&K SC Welfare
Association
Jammu
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