Pathankot to get additional green cover after reclamation of illegally occupied land by forest department

Forest officials are upbeat over an increase of 5% to 8% of green cover in Shahpur Kandi area of Dhar Block in Pathankot district in the next few years. This came after department began plantation in over 20,000 acres of forest land reclaimed by them from the illegal possession of various people including politicians and industrialists.
“Out of nearly 27,500 acres of land which was in possession of illegal encroachers, we have been able to reclaim over 20,000 acres of forest land and have begun plantation drive," said divisional forest officer, Pathankot while talking to TOI on Thursday.

He said during 1904, the British notified Shahpur Kandi forest area as protected forest also known as demarcated and un-demarcated protected forest but the notification never got reflected in the revenue records.
With the passage of time, people started encroaching upon the forest land in connivance with some patwaris etc. A few big industrialists and financiers had encroached upon over 100 to 200 acres of forest land. In 1986, the Punjab government directed to transfer the revenue records of the land in favor of forest department.

“After years of litigation we have now finally got possession of around 20,000 acres of land and have begun plantation drive which will add 5% to 8% to the already 23% green cover of the Pathankot district which is highest in Punjab,” said Tiwari adding that plantation in over 500 acres of land was completed last year alone.
Meanwhile, he informed that the forest department has decided to set up another 4 tented eco-friendly accommodation at Chamrod village which was close to Ranjit Sagar reservoir area in Dhar Kalan.

He said already there was 4 tented eco-friendly accommodation which was getting huge response from the visitors due to adventure activities including a nature trail, bird watching etc. “Now we have held the trials of jet skiing, parasailing and boating and have sent the proposal to add these adventure activities,” said the DFO.