The incident unfolded when teams from the Uttarakhand Forest Department began an operation to identify and remove illegal encroachments from approximately 200 acres of land under its jurisdiction. According to officials, the exercise was part of a planned administrative process to mark and reclaim forest land that had been unlawfully occupied over time.
As the demarcation work progressed, groups of local residents gathered at the site and voiced strong opposition to the action. The situation soon escalated, with sections of the crowd allegedly resorting to stone-pelting, forcing police to intervene to prevent further deterioration of law and order. Amid the chaos, protesters also blocked a nearby railway track, temporarily disrupting rail movement and prompting swift security measures.
Senior police and administrative officers were deployed to the area to contain the situation and restore normalcy. Authorities maintained that the eviction-related activity was being conducted in accordance with legal procedures, while urging the public to remain calm and refrain from violence. Security presence was increased in sensitive pockets to prevent further flare-ups.
The disturbances underscore the challenges faced by local administrations in enforcing land regulations in densely populated and ecologically sensitive regions like Rishikesh. With forest land encroachment emerging as a recurring flashpoint, the incident highlights the need for careful coordination, transparent communication, and effective crowd management to balance environmental protection with public order.
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