DEHRADUN: The Uttarakhand High Court in the Missing Forest Boundary Pillars Case has taken serious note of allegations concerning the disappearance of a large number of forest boundary pillars in the Mussoorie Forest Division, issuing notices to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Union government, the state government and multiple statutory authorities. The court has sought detailed responses after a public interest litigation alleged that the missing pillars have facilitated illegal encroachments on protected forest land.
Our correspondent reports that the matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari and Justice Subhash Upadhyay. The bench observed that the allegations raised in the petition pointed to a grave environmental and administrative lapse and required a comprehensive explanation from all concerned authorities.
The petition, filed by an environmental activist, claimed that out of a total of 12,321 forest boundary pillars officially recorded in the Mussoorie Forest Division, as many as 7,375 pillars are currently missing from the ground. These boundary markers are legally mandated to demarcate forest land and prevent encroachment, and their absence, the petitioner argued, has resulted in ambiguity over forest boundaries.
According to the petition, a significant number of missing pillars are located in the Mussoorie and Raipur forest ranges, areas that have witnessed rapid growth in tourism, construction activity and real estate development. The petitioner alleged that the disappearance of boundary pillars has made it easier for illegal construction, land grabbing and unauthorised commercial activity to take place on forest land.
“The removal or disappearance of forest boundary pillars cannot be accidental. It points towards systematic negligence or deliberate wrongdoing,” the petitioner stated before the court. He further alleged that the situation has caused irreparable ecological damage and weakened the legal protection afforded to forest areas.
During the hearing, the High Court expressed concern over the scale of the alleged irregularities. The bench remarked that forest boundary pillars are fundamental to forest governance and conservation, and their disappearance raises serious questions about accountability within the forest administration.
Our correspondent adds that the court has issued notices to the CBI in view of allegations of possible criminal conspiracy, corruption and collusion involving forest officials and private interests. Notices were also served on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Uttarakhand Forest Department, the Survey of India and the Central Empowered Committee, seeking their responses on the issue.
The court directed all respondents to file counter affidavits within six weeks, explaining the circumstances under which the boundary pillars went missing and detailing the steps taken to prevent encroachments. The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 11, 2026.
Senior advocates following the case said the court’s decision to involve multiple agencies indicates the seriousness with which the judiciary views the issue. One environmental law expert said, “Forest boundary demarcation is the backbone of conservation enforcement. When these markers disappear, it creates a legal vacuum that benefits encroachers and weakens the rule of law.”
The petition has also sought directions for a comprehensive, scientific and geo-referenced survey of all forest land in the Mussoorie Forest Division. The petitioner argued that only a technology-driven survey can accurately identify missing pillars and restore the original forest boundaries.
Forest officials, while refraining from detailed comments due to the matter being sub judice, said preliminary internal assessments are underway. A senior official said, “The department is committed to protecting forest land. Any irregularity found will be dealt with as per law.”
Our correspondent reports that environmental activists have welcomed the High Court’s intervention, saying it could act as a deterrent against future encroachments. They have long alleged that forest land in hill districts has been systematically eroded due to weak enforcement and lack of clear boundary demarcation.
The issue has also renewed debate around balancing development and conservation in ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions. Mussoorie and surrounding areas have seen increased pressure from tourism and infrastructure projects, often bringing forest land into conflict with commercial interests.
Legal experts point out that the case could set an important precedent. If the allegations are substantiated, authorities may be directed not only to restore missing boundary pillars but also to initiate criminal proceedings against those responsible for their removal.
Our correspondent adds that the High Court’s intervention underscores the judiciary’s growing role in environmental governance. By demanding accountability from both state and central agencies, the court has signalled that forest protection cannot be compromised due to administrative failure or vested interests.
As the case progresses, stakeholders across environmental, legal and administrative spheres are closely watching developments. The outcome is expected to have long-term implications for forest management, land governance and environmental accountability in Uttarakhand.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
