Chhattisgarh High Court Seeks State's Response On PIL Alleging Unlawful Conversion Of Forest Land For Construction Of Cattle Shelters

The bench of Acting CJ Goutam Bhaduri and Justice N.K. Chandravanshi said, “Considering the issue involved, reply of State would be necessary.”

Lawyer D.K. Soni has filed the PIL against the alleged unlawful conversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. The PIL specifically questions the construction of several Aavarti Charai Kendra (Recurring Grazing Centers) and Cow shelter on forest land in the state.

The petition states that the state launched the 'Narwa, Garwa, Ghurwa, Badi Program', which aims to conserve and promote the welfare of cows and cattle by constructing cattlesheds or Gauthans in villages. These facilities also include arrangements for fodder.

The petition states that the Forest Department has directed the Chief Conservator of Forests and the Divisional Forest Officers to cut grass from forest areas and supply it to the cattlesheds and grazing centers, where a bio-gas centre will also be established.

The petition argues that such activity is in violation of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, as Section 2 of the Act states that without the prior approval of the Central Government, no forest land or any portion of it can be used for non-forest purposes.

The petition alleges that the state authorities have unlawfully changed the land use without obtaining permission from the central government, and have neglected that forest rights can only be granted to forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

The petition alleges that the state authorities have not sought permission from the central government under any of the laws.

According to the petitioner, the progress report for the program shows that a total of 1527 centers have been proposed and 1307 centers are currently in operation.

The petition alleges that these centers, under the guise of Multi-Activity Centers, are conducting illegal and arbitrary activities such as vegetable production, fishery, collection of minor forest produce, spice production, and tailoring work on forest land.

The aforementioned facts and instances clearly indicate that the state government has been extensively converting forest land for non-forest purposes, states the petitioner.

Case Title- D.K. Soni v. State of Chhattisgarh & Ors.

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