Authorities in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district demolished 86 permanent houses in Puchhadi village, a predominantly Muslim settlement in Ramnagar, during an anti-encroachment drive on Saturday. The Forest Department and district administration said the houses had been built on government-owned reserved forest land.
The operation targeted approximately 14 hectares of land along the Kosi River. It began early in the morning amid a heavy security deployment, with bulldozers and JCB excavators brought in to remove the structures.
According to reports, several residents began dismantling parts of their houses themselves as the administration arrived with heavy machinery. The demolition has left dozens of families without homes, with many struggling to salvage their belongings.
The administration had initially planned to demolish 83 houses during the latest phase of the drive. Terai Western Forest Division Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Puneet Kumar Tomar said notices had been issued to 92 people. Nine structures were excluded from the operation because their cases were pending before the court, leaving 83 houses scheduled for demolition.
However, subsequent reporting by Aaj Tak on October 31 put the number of demolished permanent houses at 86.
Heavy security deployment during demolition
The demolition drive was conducted under extensive security arrangements involving police and Forest Department personnel. The area was divided into multiple security zones and sectors, with barricades installed to regulate movement and maintain law and order.
Reports said more than 1,200 police and forest personnel were deployed alongside heavy machinery. The arrangements included senior police officers, forest officials, magistrates and other administrative staff.
Anti-riot teams, tear gas units, a bomb disposal squad, fire services, Quick Response Teams and medical personnel were also deployed or kept on standby.
According to Aaj Tak, the administration had completed the required legal procedures and informed residents about the drive before the operation began. Officials and personnel from the police and Forest Department had also been briefed on Thursday evening.
Earlier demolition drive in December 2025
The Forest Department had conducted an earlier anti-encroachment operation in the same area on December 7, 2025, when 51 houses and huts were reportedly demolished. Around two acres of land belonging to Ramnagar Municipality’s trenching ground were also cleared during that operation.
The department has also registered a case against an alleged land dealer, identified as Tahir Mulla, accusing him of selling forest land to people who subsequently settled there. According to Aaj Tak, the police are searching for him.
The report also mentioned allegations that the settlement had received political protection during the previous Congress government. These allegations have not been independently established.
Residents face uncertainty after demolition
The demolition left families scrambling to recover household goods and other belongings from the debris. Several residents had reportedly spent the previous night collecting essential items in anticipation of the operation.
Affected residents expressed concern over where they would go with their children and families, particularly as winter approaches.
During the operation, a resident identified as Shamshad and two women from his family, Momina and Fatima, reportedly fell ill. They were taken to a government hospital for treatment. Doctors said the two women experienced a deterioration in their health due to elevated blood pressure.
