JAMMU, May 22: Jammu and Kashmir Government after issuing an enquiry order on Bandi demolition has now constituted a high-level committee to ascertain the factual position regarding the demolition and eviction drive conducted at Raika Bandi, Sidhra on May 19, 2026.
Copy of the order with CTN, issued by Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment reads as under:-
"Sanction has been accorded for the constitution of a three-member committee to examine the matter in detail. The committee will be headed by Rajinder Singh Tara, Secretary in the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment.
Other members include Satyendra Maurya, Divisional Forest Officer, Udhampur, and Dr Rajesh Kumar Atri, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Jammu".
The committee has been tasked with examining the report submitted by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, in light of the factual position on the ground and the legal provisions under the relevant laws.
The terms of reference specify that the committee shall ascertain the factual position at Raika Bandi, Sidhra after providing an opportunity of being heard to all concerned parties.
The panel has been directed to submit its report within seven working days.
Pertinent to mention that the High Court in its order dated 03.09.2020 in the PIL No. 25/2017 titled SAVE Vs State of J&K & Ors has categorically directed the Forest Department for the removal of the encroachments from forest lands in a time bound manner and even directed for the constitution of high-level committees to achieve the desired objectives.
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