Janjgir-Champa, Chhattisgarh: A demolition drive by the Forest Department in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district has triggered political controversy and public anger after authorities used bulldozers to raze alleged encroachments on forest land.
Acting on the instructions of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), officials demolished three houses on Saturday and served eviction notices to 15 other families, directing them to vacate the area. The operation was carried out with heavy machinery, prompting strong reactions from affected residents and local leaders.
Families whose homes were demolished claimed they were not given adequate time to remove their belongings or arrange alternative shelter. Many displaced residents have since taken refuge in a nearby public passenger shelter, where they have stored their remaining possessions.
“We were left with nowhere to go. Our home was destroyed, and no one showed any compassion for poor families,” said Sunita Suryavanshi, one of the affected residents
The demolition sparked protests at the site, with Janjgir-Champa District Panchayat Vice-Chairman Gagan Jaipuriya and other local representatives urging district authorities to halt the operation. Following their intervention, the District Collector directed Champa Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pawan Kosma to visit the location. The SDM subsequently instructed the Forest Department to suspend further demolition.
“The construction was carried out on forest land. However, acting on the Collector’s directions, the demolition has been stopped for now,” SDM Pawan Kosma said.
Residents have also questioned the legality and timing of the action, alleging that seven of the 18 houses identified as encroachments were built under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Local community members argued that authorities should have arranged rehabilitation or provided sufficient time for relocation before carrying out evictions.
Former village panch Pramod Kumar said families facing eviction deserved a proper rehabilitation plan instead of sudden displacement.
The issue has drawn criticism from both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress. Congress leaders accused the government of targeting economically vulnerable families and warned of public protests if the remaining residents are forcibly evicted without rehabilitation.
The incident has reignited debate over eviction procedures, rehabilitation policies, and the balance between protecting government land and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable communities.
