Authorities in Pilibhit have initiated legal action against a local farmer for allegedly seizing a vast stretch of government land intended for industrial development. The case highlights serious concerns over illegal encroachment and the use of dangerous electric fencing in an area frequented by wildlife.
Details of the Land Encroachment Case
The case stems from a formal complaint filed by Ashish Singh, the project manager of the UP State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC). According to the complaint, Gurvinder Singh, a resident of Bhainsaha village, has illegally taken over 77.5 hectares of land. This specific parcel was officially allocated to UPSIDC by the state government back in July 2015 for the purpose of establishing an industrial hub.
The complainant stated that the farmer, who is in his 50s, not only forcibly cultivated rabi crops on the disputed land but also secured the perimeter with a hazardous fence. He used live electric wires mounted on wooden poles, creating a significant danger for local residents, livestock, and wild animals.
Wildlife at Risk in Sensitive Agricultural Belt
The encroached land is situated within an agricultural zone that holds ecological significance. Until 2023, the area was known to host over ten "sugarcane tigers". Following the unexplained disappearance of these tigers, the region is now reportedly inhabited by more than half-a-dozen leopards.
This illegal electric fencing now poses a severe threat to these leopards and other fauna, including wild boars, blackbucks, jackals, and nilgai. Divisional Forest Officer Bharat Kumar DK emphasized that installing such live wires is a grave offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. He confirmed that the department would conduct a physical verification of the site before filing a separate departmental case against the accused.
Legal Action and Past Eviction
This is not the first time the accused farmer has occupied this land. The complaint notes that he had also illegally taken possession of the same plot on May 25, 2025, following which he was evicted by a combined team of police and revenue officials.
Acting on the latest complaint, the Amaria police station registered a First Information Report (FIR) on Friday evening. Station House Officer Amit Kumar detailed the charges, stating the farmer has been booked under BNS sections 291 (negligent conduct in relation to animals) and 324(3) (committing mischief causing loss or damage to government property). Additionally, sections 2 and 3 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984 have been invoked. Police have stated that further investigations are currently in progress.
