Supreme Court Stays Himachal Eviction, Rich Orchards in Crosshairs
The Supreme Court on August 5, 2025, intervened to temporarily halt the eviction of illegal orchards in Himachal Pradesh. This follows a High Court order targeting land encroachment, particularly in the Chaithla region.
The High Court’s directive aimed to reclaim forest land illegally occupied by influential families. These families allegedly profited from government subsidies meant for legitimate orchard development.
The ongoing dispute highlights the challenges in enforcing environmental regulations against powerful interests. The Supreme Court’s stay buys time, but the core issue of illegal land grabbing and ecological damage remains.
The case underscores the urgent need for stricter monitoring of government subsidies and robust mechanisms to prevent future land encroachment in ecologically sensitive areas. The final outcome will have significant implications for environmental protection and governance in the state.
