‘Silent spectator for decades’: SC raps Uttarakhand over forest encroachment

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the Uttarakhand government for its two-decade inaction against widespread forest land encroachment in Rishikesh. The court suspects a deep-rooted nexus between officials and illegal occupants, demanding a detailed affidavit on the extent of the problem and responsible officers. Recent drives have recovered some land, but the court seeks comprehensive accountability.