A large-scale anti-encroachment drive commenced early on Saturday in the Upper Kosi region of Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, as local administrative authorities and the forest department moved to reclaim designated forest land. The ongoing operation focuses on roughly 82 identified houses located in Puchhdi village. As the demolition began under strict security arrangements, affected residents experienced severe distress over the sudden loss of shelter. Amid the unfolding crisis, a 45-year-old local resident named Fatma suffered a sudden medical emergency. She was rushed to Ramdatt Joint Hospital after experiencing an apparent heart attack, where medical personnel are currently administering treatment.
Distress and Overnight Evacuation Lead to Medical Crisis
Fatma's son, Shadab, stated that the family had spent the preceding night frantically packing and moving household belongings outside their home in anticipation of the machinery arriving. The physical exhaustion combined with the acute psychological stress of seeing their residence targeted culminated in Fatma experiencing a suspected cardiac arrest on Saturday morning. The operation has created an immediate crisis of shelter for displaced families, particularly impacting women and young children who were seen weeping openly as mechanical equipment moved toward residential structures.
Phased Encroachment Clearances and Judicial Exceptions
The anti-encroachment campaign on forest property in this belt is being executed in structured phases. During the initial phase carried out in 2025, authorities had cleared structures belonging to roughly 51 families. The ongoing second phase encompasses 82 residential dwellings earmarked for removal. However, administrative officials have clarified that structures belonging to families whose cases remain pending before the judiciary have been temporarily excluded from the current demolition drive pending legal outcomes.
Three-Kilometre Exclusion Zone and Heightened Security
To preempt potential public unrest and maintain civil order during the operation in Puchhdi village, law enforcement authorities instituted stringent security measures across the area. Movement of common citizens has been strictly restricted within a three-kilometre perimeter surrounding the demolition zone. Substantial police contingents have been deployed throughout the sector, while joint teams representing civic and forest administrative departments remain stationed on-site to oversee the perimeter and enforce transit regulations.
Deployment of Over 30 Earthmovers Since Early Morning
The administrative machinery initiated ground operations at approximately 5:00 AM on Saturday, mobilizing heavy industrial demolition equipment to clear the identified encroachments. The deployment includes more than 30 JCB earthmovers alongside multiple Poclain hydraulic excavators working simultaneously across the marked properties. Police forces remain on high alert throughout the sector to deter any unauthorized entry within the cordoned zone while senior officials supervise the ongoing dismantling of the unauthorized dwellings.
