Rishikesh: A senior forest official in Uttarakhand has raised serious concerns over the disappearance of 7,375 boundary pillars from the Mussoorie Forest Division. The alarming discovery, revealed during a review of the division’s revised action plan, has prompted calls for an independent, court-monitored investigation to probe potential collusion and illegal land encroachment.
Missing Boundary Pillars Spark Serious Concerns
Chief Conservator of Forests (Action Plan), Sanjeev Chaturvedi, in a letter addressed to the Head of the Uttarakhand Forest Department, highlighted the gravity of the situation. During the comprehensive survey conducted by field staff, it was found that the boundary pillars marked on official maps were missing on the ground in large numbers.
Out of a total of 12,321 boundary pillars across the entire Mussoorie Forest Division, approximately 60% — equating to 7,375 pillars — are unaccounted for. The two ranges most affected are Mussourie Range with 4,133 missing pillars and Raipur Range with 1,722 missing pillars. These ranges have been identified as lucrative targets for encroachment by hoteliers, resort owners, and real estate developers.
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Calls for High-Level Investigation Amid Suspected Collusion
Chaturvedi has called for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, stressing that the removal of such a large number of boundary markers could not have happened without the connivance of local officials, staff, and possibly political backing.
The officer cited previous instances of forest land encroachment in the Khalanga area of Raipur Range as evidence of the ongoing threat to forest land. He described the encroachment as a “criminal betrayal” of the state’s ecological security and public assets.
He urged phased action against all officials who have served in the Mussoorie Forest Division over the years to ensure accountability and transparency.
Financial Irregularities and Property Acquisitions Add to Suspicion
In a subsequent letter dated August 20, 2025, Chaturvedi flagged suspicious property acquisitions by Mussoorie Divisional Forest Officer Amit Kanwar. According to the letter, Kanwar has acquired six properties over the past four years across three states — Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), Gautam Buddha Nagar (Uttar Pradesh), and Dehradun and Mussoorie (Uttarakhand).
One property in Mussoorie, valued at approximately ₹1.18 crore, stands out. Most acquisitions were reportedly made through personal savings, raising further questions about possible irregularities.
Forest Department Responds, Legal Action Pending Investigation
Mussoorie Divisional Forest Officer Amit Kanwar acknowledged that the missing boundary pillars were discovered during the working plan review. He assured that legal action would follow the completion of investigations.
However, despite the initial report being sent by Chaturvedi to the Head of Forest Force, Samir Sinha, on June 21, 2025, no action was taken for two months, prompting further urgency in addressing the issue.
Overview of Missing Boundary Pillars by Forest Range
- Mussoorie Range: 4,133 missing pillars
- Raipur Range: 1,722 missing pillars
- Jaunpur Range: 944 missing pillars
- Kempty Range: 218 missing pillars
- Devalsari Range: 296 missing pillars
- Bhadrigad Range: 62 missing pillars
- Total pillars in the division: 12,321
- Total missing: 7,375 (approx. 60%)
- Ecological and Legal Implications
The disappearance of such a large number of boundary pillars threatens the ecological integrity of the region and opens the door for illegal encroachments by vested interests. It undermines forest management and conservation efforts, with potentially severe consequences for biodiversity and the environment.
