Rishikesh, Uttarakhand – A survey of forest land in Rishikesh led to violent protests on Sunday, December 28, 2025, as local residents clashed with police and blocked railway tracks, disrupting transportation and daily life. The unrest stemmed from a Supreme Court-ordered investigation into the leasing of 2,866 acres of reserved forest land, sparking fears of displacement among those who have resided on the land for decades.
The protests began near the Mansa Devi Railway Crossing, where hundreds of residents gathered to voice their anger against the Forest Department's demarcation exercise. Agitators blocked both roads and railway tracks, causing significant disruptions to traffic. The Gangotri Express and another train arriving from Kochi were delayed, and passengers protested at Haridwar railway station due to the inconvenience. A traffic jam stretched for approximately five kilometers from Rishikesh to IDPL Gate Number Two.
As authorities attempted to negotiate with the crowd, the situation escalated, with protesters reportedly pelting stones at police and forest department officials. Four police personnel sustained injuries during the stone-pelting. Law enforcement responded by using force to disperse the demonstrators and detained some individuals. Senior officials rushed to the site to manage the situation.
Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh stated that sufficient police force had been deployed to conduct the survey. He added that the protesters turned violent and started pelting stones when officials requested them to clear the roads and rail routes. A case is being registered, and authorities are working to identify and apprehend the protesters.
The Supreme Court's involvement arose from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning encroachments on protected forest land in Rishikesh. The court directed the Forest Department and District Collector to survey and reclaim vacant forest land. The investigation committee is required to submit its status report to the Supreme Court before January 5, 2026.
Local councillor Abhinav Singh Malik sought to reassure residents, emphasizing that only demarcation was underway and there was no need to panic. However, many residents fear displacement, as they allege they have been buying and selling the leased land on stamp paper, despite the government's ownership.
The survey has been ongoing for the past three days in areas such as Shivaji Nagar, Bapu Gram, Suman Vihar, Nadu Farm, and Amit Gram, located on the outskirts of Rishikesh. Protesters have been preventing forest department teams from entering several localities.
In response to the unrest, additional PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary) units were deployed, and a flag march was conducted in the Shyampur area of Rishikesh to maintain law and order. Despite the disruptions, the Forest Department is continuing its survey under strict supervision, adhering to the Supreme Court's directives. The administration is conducting a survey of the land to submit a compliance report. The Supreme Court has scheduled a further hearing on the case for January 5, 2026.
