Four-decade illegal occupation ends; Operations against land invasion continue
The Punjab Forest Department has reclaimed nearly 800 acres of forest land in Lal Sohanra National Park that had been under illegal occupation for nearly four decades. The reclaimed land had been controlled by squatter groups for an extended period, and its return is part of ongoing efforts to manage and conserve the province’s forest resources.
According to the Forest Department, the operation was carried out under the direct supervision of a senior provincial minister, who monitored all stages of the operation in real time. Experts from the GIS laboratory, field forces, forest officers, forest guards, block officers and workers who worked together participated in the operation. Heavy machinery was used to access the steep hills and remote areas of the park.
A Forest Department spokesperson stated: “This operation is a historic milestone for wildlife and environment restoration.” The spokesperson also emphasized: “The conservation of natural resources is our top priority.”
Officials indicated that the operation will allow the restoration of areas important for wildlife habitats and environmental management of the national park. The Forest Department also noted that operations are underway to address illegal land occupations across the province. “Decisive actions against the agrarian mafia continue throughout the province,” the spokesperson added.
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The reclaimed land includes ecologically sensitive areas that had been under long-term occupation. The operation involved coordination between technical experts and field personnel to ensure access to hard-to-reach sections of the park and carry out recovery activities efficiently.
The Punjab government has highlighted that management of natural resources, including forest land, remains a priority. This operation is part of broader efforts to monitor, manage and regulate forest areas across the province.
Officials stated that the reclaimed land will now come under the management of the Forest Department, which is responsible for overseeing conservation measures and ensuring that no illegal encroachments take place in the future. The department continues to monitor forest areas and carry out operations when necessary to maintain control over state-owned lands.
The operation in Lal Sohanra National Park reflects ongoing efforts to manage forest lands and ensure compliance with regulations related to the protection of natural resources in Punjab.
