Nagpur: No houses built on shrubland forest (zudpi jungle) areas — already taxed by local bodies and civic authorities — will be demolished as it is a matter of “life and dignity” for nearly two lakh families, particularly across Vidarbha, said Maharashtra revenue minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule. Chairing a high-level meeting at Mantralaya to address the long standing issue, Bawankule warned senior officials from revenue and forest departments that delays in regularising such homes will not be tolerated. “People have been living on these lands for decades. Gram panchayats and competent authorities have recognised their occupation, taxes have been collected, and names of such residents are recorded in 8A registers. Yet, they’ve been denied ownership. This is injustice,” he said.Bawankule directed the officers to complete regularisation process and issue land titles to all eligible households within three months. “Draft a village-wise, survey-number-wise detailed plan. Visit the sites and submit a physical verification report. If re-surveying is required, do it. Not a single home will be razed. Every family must get its rightful ownership,” he added.The Supreme Court, in its May 22, 2025 ruling, had declared around 86,000 hectares zudpi jungle lands across Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli districts as forest under its 1996 judgment. However, it also acknowledged the presence of long-standing human settlements and allowed their protection, provided a diversion proposal is submitted within three months. Bawankule enquired about the progress on this front and sought immediate response from officials.Additional chief secretary (Forests) Milind Mhaiskar, principal chief conservator of forests Shomita Biswas, Nagpur divisional commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, and other senior officials participated in the meeting, with several joining via videoconferencing.Due to lack of land titles, many families residing on these shrubland tracts are deprived of basic rights and benefits, including under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. Bawankule said the state may consider offering alternative land, if required, but reiterated his position: “We will protect every home and ensure justice is delivered.”He has asked for a detailed report within two days to accelerate the legalisation process and prevent further delays in welfare and development projects.
