Bhiknathori: The 179-household village of Bhiknathori, located at the northeastern edge of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve on India-Nepal border, in West Champaran district stands as a stark reminder of administrative neglect. Despite being part of India since Independence, the village remains cut off from basic amenities — no electricity, no proper roads, and no land ownership rights.
The Forest Department, the Railways, and the royal family of Ramnagar all claim the land as theirs, while the villagers insist it rightfully belongs to them. This tug-of-war over ownership has paralyzed development for decades.
A Village Frozen in Time
Reaching Bhiknathori means driving through seven kilometres of forest on a broken dirt road. The old PWD road, once functional, has turned to rubble. Solar panels on rooftops are the only light source — they power bulbs only when the sun shines. At night, the village sinks into complete darkness.
One villager said, “Look at the plight of the road, it used to be good. In 2014-15, a tender was issued, and the road was dug up for double railway line, but work was stopped. Now everything is in limbo. The last railway station used to be Bhikhnathori but now train runs from Narkatiaganj till Gaunaha station (on the other side of the forest).”
A water pipeline and tank were installed, but with no electricity to run the motor, the taps remain dry. Villagers fetch water from the nearby river. Even the only school building in the village stands incomplete — without a roof.
Four Claimants, No Justice
The confusion over ownership runs deep. The Forest Department claims the land is part of a forest reserve. The Railways argue the land belongs to them since a track was laid here during the British era. The royal family of Ramnagar maintains that the land was historically theirs. And the villagers — some of whom have documents dating back to 1966 — say their ancestors have lived here for more than a century.
“Buddhist monks from Nepal used to stay here because of the dense forest ahead. Hence the name Bhiknathori. The village was settled before Independence by the king of Ramnagar. British King George V visited this place in 1911. Bhikhnathori railway station was built in 1906,” says Purna Prasad, president of the Village Forest Rights Committee.
He adds, “In 2013, when Nitish Kumar came to power, we submitted 179 claim letters under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The then District Magistrate had agreed, but the Forest Department stopped the process midway.”
Villagers Allege Harassment
Residents accuse the Forest Department of harassment and intimidation. Notices have been issued to more than 50 people, warning them to vacate their homes. “They come with bulldozer threats and say we are living illegally,” says Sunesh Sahni, a resident. “We have lived here for generations. The government’s own rules say those residing on land for 12 years can be granted ownership, but the department refuses to follow it.”
The residents also allege that electricity meant for Bhiknathori was diverted to the nearby Bhatujla village. When they protested, 22 people were booked under various charges.
Development at a Standstill
Despite having voter ID cards, Aadhaar cards, ration cards, post offices, Anganwadi centres, and health workers, the village is not recognized officially for land-based schemes like PM Awas Yojana. Even the Tap Water Scheme remains defunct due to lack of electricity.
Former village head Dayanand Sahni shows his old ID card from 1966 as proof of the village’s long existence. “This land was of the Raja of Ramnagar. After independence, the Forest Department forcefully took it. We have all the papers, yet they call us illegal settlers,” he says.
The villagers allege that the Forest Department has even halted school construction by denying permission to complete the roof.
Officials Defend Action
When contacted, Nesa Mani, Associate Director of the Forest Department in Bettiah, said, “The entire settlement is not illegal; some parts of the land are disputed. Notices were issued so that people can present their ownership documents. This is standard procedure. The department only stops new encroachments.”
He clarified that those who have valid documents can approach the DFO or the court for a hearing. “No immediate eviction is taking place,” he added.
Political Promises, No Action
Residents say they have repeatedly approached officials, MLAs, and MPs, including Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who had visited the village in 2013 and collected claim papers. “We have met every officer, but no one acts. They only come before elections,” says Dayanand.
Local MLA Bhagirathi Devi admitted, “Projects related to land — such as roads and housing — are stalled because the Forest Department claims ownership of the village. Other schemes have been implemented.”
‘Will Boycott Elections If Ignored’
With years of neglect and uncertainty, frustration has turned into defiance. Villagers have warned of an election boycott if their rights are not granted this time.
“We have always supported JDU-BJP, but now we are tired. We will not vote if we don’t get our settlement certificates,” says Motilal Paswan, a village elder. “We just want justice and recognition. We want to live with dignity.”
