Jammu, May 20 -- A joint task force on Tuesday reclaimed three hectares of encroached forest land in Raika Bandi, located on the eastern forested periphery of Jammu, 8km from the city centre.

Executed under heavy security, the dawn anti-encroachment drive targeted compartment number 66/B near the Mahamaya temple, resulting in the demolition of 32 illegal concrete and temporary (kutcha) structures.

The enforcement operation was conducted by a joint team comprising the forest department, Forest Protection Force, revenue officials, local police, and paramilitary personnel. To maintain law and order and oversee the legal execution of the drive, the district administration deployed multiple first-class magistrates to the site.

Dr VS Senthil...