Forest Department recovers 800 acres in Lal Sohanra National Park

Four-decade-long illegal occupation ends; operations continue against land encroachment

The Punjab Forest Department has reclaimed nearly 800 acres of forest land in Lal Sohanra National Park that had been under illegal occupation for almost four decades. The recovered land had been controlled by occupying groups for an extended period, and its return is part of ongoing efforts to manage and conserve the province’s forest resources.

According to the Forest Department, the operation was conducted under the direct supervision of a senior provincial minister, who monitored all stages of the operation in real time. The operation involved GIS lab 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 spokesperson for the Forest Department stated, “This operation is a historic milestone for the restoration of wildlife and the environment.” The spokesperson also emphasized, “Conservation of natural resources is our top priority.”

Officials indicated that the operation will allow for the restoration of areas important for wildlife habitats and the 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 actions against the land mafia continue across the province,” the spokesperson added.

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The recovered 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 difficult-to-reach sections of the park and to carry out reclamation activities efficiently.

The Punjab government has highlighted that the management of natural resources, including forest land, remains a priority. This operation is part of broader efforts to monitor, manage, and regulate forest areas throughout 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 carry out operations where necessary to maintain control over state-owned land.

The operation at Lal Sohanra National Park reflects ongoing efforts to manage forest land and ensure compliance with regulations related to the protection of natural resources in Punjab.