The Uttarakhand High Court has directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Almora to submit detailed reports on alleged encroachment of land belonging to the Govind Ballabh Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBPNIHE).
The institute had earlier complained that portions of its land were being encroached upon, with names of alleged encroachers being entered in the official land records despite objections. The court expressed concern over potential negligence by local officials and has sought accountability through a time-bound inquiry.
The case underscores growing disputes over institutional and forest lands in Uttarakhand, where increasing pressure for habitation and commercial activity has led to frequent land conflicts.
