13,008 hectares of forest land encroached in Gujarat, 3,700+ hectares allocated to private projects

Even as the Gujarat government marks World Environment Day with campaigns and symbolic gestures, a reply in the Lok Sabha has drawn attention to a far more urgent reality: 13,008 hectares of forest land in Gujarat have been encroached upon, highlighting persistent gaps in environmental governance.

Forest encroachments continue as enforcement remains selective

While authorities have taken visible action against illegal structures built by the poor, activists say there is a stark contrast when it comes to removing larger, often politically shielded, forest encroachments. The lack of consistent enforcement has raised questions about whether state action is disproportionately targeted at the vulnerable.

Forest land given to industry while Adivasis wait

Adding to the controversy is the official record that 3,725.95 hectares of forest land have been handed over to private commercial projects, even as tribal communities — recognised under the Forest Rights Act — continue to struggle for land titles. Environmentalists and Adivasi leaders have expressed concern that such transfers undermine both ecological balance and legal protections for forest dwellers.

Gujarat excluded from key central government green scheme

Despite its vast forest cover and industrial growth, Gujarat was excluded from funding under the Nagar Van Yojana (Urban Forest Scheme). The central government allocated ₹134.01 crore to 111 projects across seven other states. Gujarat’s absence from the list has raised eyebrows and fuelled criticism about the state’s engagement with centrally sponsored green initiatives.

Pollution control board understaffed as violations rise

Environmental degradation in Gujarat is not limited to land use. According to official figures, more than 4,000 industrial units are currently violating environmental norms. Yet, the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), the primary enforcement body, is operating with just 40% of its sanctioned workforce—only 170 of 430 posts are currently filled. This severe understaffing has hampered inspections and enforcement, making it difficult to hold polluting industries accountable.

World Environment Day exposes gap between rhetoric and reality

As the state government reiterates its commitment to environmental protection, the figures presented in Parliament tell a different story. From forest land encroachments to inactive regulatory bodies, Gujarat’s environmental framework appears increasingly strained.

The state government has not yet issued a statement responding to the Lok Sabha data or criticism regarding its forest management and regulatory shortfall.