West Champaran: In a decisive environmental move, the administration in Bihar’s Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), located in West Champaran, has reclaimed over 300 acres of illegally encroached forest land. Using advanced satellite-linked Electronic Total Station (ETS) machines, officials demarcated the forest boundaries and initiated a comprehensive eviction and restoration drive.
Authorities have already removed dozens of slum settlements and issued final eviction notices to over 100 identified encroachers and land mafias. The operation marks one of the largest forest recovery efforts in the region in recent years.
Forest Conservator and Regional Director Neshamani K stated that the ETS machines—currently two in the district—are providing accurate, satellite-connected mapping that allows for precise identification of encroached areas. The administration is working to increase the number of machines to scale up efforts.
So far, more than 2,00,000 saplings have been planted as part of an ongoing reforestation campaign aimed at restoring green cover, rebuilding wildlife habitats, and preventing future illegal occupation. The reclaimed land is also being developed into grasslands and open zones suitable for native species, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance.
“This initiative is not just curbing illegal encroachments—it’s helping restore the natural habitat and greenery that are crucial for wildlife conservation,” said Neshamani.
Officials believe the program could serve as a model for forest conservation efforts across Bihar, combining high-tech surveying methods with ground-level environmental action.
