CM Sukhu on Saturday directed the Forest Department to prepare a comprehensive plan for the diversion of forest land linked to 2,183 roads constructed without approval under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), 1980, in line with the directions of the Himachal Pradesh High Court.
Chairing a review meeting of the Forest Department, the Chief Minister said the state government was committed to strengthening rural connectivity and ensuring better access to remote areas. He noted that many of these roads serve as vital lifelines for isolated habitations and play a crucial role in emergency response, particularly in disaster-prone regions.
The proposed action plan will facilitate the processing of these road cases under the provisions of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, as directed by the High Court.
Officials informed that the roads in question were constructed before the FRA came into force in 2006. However, only 150 such road cases received approval between 2016 and 2026. Following a public interest litigation on the issue, the High Court directed the department to process the pending cases under the FRA framework.
The move is expected to expedite the regularisation process and provide legal backing to critical road infrastructure across the state.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
