Four decades of illegal occupation ends; operation continues against ground interference
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 occupying groups for a long period of time, and its return is part of ongoing efforts to manage and conserve the province’s forest resources.
According to the Forest Ministry, the operation was carried out under the direct supervision of a senior provincial minister, who monitored all phases of the operation in real time. The operation involved GIS laboratory experts, field forces, forest officers, forest guards, block officers and laborers working together. Heavy machinery was used to access the rugged hills and remote areas of the park.
A Forest Department spokesman said: “This operation is a historic milestone for wildlife and environment recovery.” The spokesperson also emphasized, “Conserving natural resources is our top priority.”
Officials indicated that the operation will allow for the restoration of areas important for wildlife habitat and management of the national park’s environment. The Forest Department also noted that operations to address illegal land occupations are ongoing across the province. “Decisive operations against the land mafia continue across the province,” the spokesman 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 staff to ensure access to hard-to-reach parts of the park and to carry out reclamation activities efficiently.
The Punjab government has emphasized that the management of natural resources, including forest land, remains a priority. This operation is part of a wider effort to monitor, manage and regulate forest areas across the province.
Officials stated that the reclaimed land will now be under the management of the forest department, which is responsible for overseeing conservation measures and ensuring that illegal encroachments do not occur in the future. The department continues to monitor forest areas and conduct operations where necessary to maintain control over state-owned land.
The operation in Lal Sohanra National Park reflects ongoing efforts to manage forest land and ensure compliance with regulations related to protection of natural resources in Punjab.
