MP Tops India in Forest Land Encroachment

Madhya Pradesh has recorded the highest forest land encroachment in India, with over 5.46 lakh hectares affected, accounting for 7.17% of the state's total forest area. This data was revealed in an affidavit submitted by the MP government to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Nationwide Data on Encroachment

Following MP, Assam ranks second with 3.62 lakh hectares encroached. Karnataka (86,308 hectares) and Arunachal Pradesh (53,500 hectares) also reported significant encroachments. Union Territories like Puducherry and Lakshadweep reported zero encroachment. States such as Bihar, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and others have not yet submitted their data to the NGT.

Indore and Other Affected Regions

Indore district shows a shocking 96% forest land encroachment. Districts like Chhindwara, Barwani, Khargone, Burhanpur, and Alirajpur are among the top 10 affected areas. Shajapur stands out as the only district in MP with no recorded encroachment, while Balaghat has the lowest encroachment at just 28.88 hectares.

Government Response and Actions

According to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Asim Srivastava, a campaign is being planned in collaboration with district administrations to remove illegal encroachments. A mobile app has been developed to identify new encroachments, and in 2024 alone, over 17,496 hectares were freed from illegal occupation.