Rishikesh Forest Land Protest Turns Violent: Locals Block Tracks, Hurl Stones

• Violent protests erupted in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, as locals opposed a Forest Department survey of 2,866 acres of government forest land.
• Protesters blocked railway tracks and pelted stones at officials and police, leading to heavy security deployment and clashes.
• The survey was ordered by the Supreme Court, which took suo motu cognizance of illegal forest land grabbing and criticized state authorities.
• SSP Dehradun Ajay Singh intervened, leading to the removal of protesters and restoration of traffic; a flag march was also conducted.
• The Supreme Court has prohibited private entities from alienating the land, ordered no new construction, and mandated the Forest Department to take custody of vacant land.

Why It Matters: Rishikesh forest land dispute escalates into violent protests, prompting Supreme Court intervention.