Himachal Pradesh: Even as the crackdown of Jan 2026 is still fresh in public memory, where four people were arrested in Una district, Himachal for illegally felling valuable khair trees, another controversy has surfaced; this time involving the construction of a road through forest land in Mashobra Shimla behind a property linked to senior advocate R.K. Anand.
The development has raised questions about whether forest protection norms are being applied uniformly. According to available information, the property has enjoyed free, open, and unobstructed access for over three decades. Critics argue there was no logistical necessity or emergency that justified carving a new road through forest terrain, suggesting the claim of necessity may have been misleading.
Environmental observers say this points to a possible commercial motive rather than a genuine access requirement.
Sources further allege that the construction involved tree felling, destruction of vegetation and disturbance to wildlife habitat. It is claimed that the work proceeded without mandatory forest clearances or environmental approvals, potentially violating forest conservation laws.
The controversy has also revived discussion about the property’s past prominence in the BMW hit-and-run case, in which Mr.Anand was convicted for attempting to obstruct justice after being caught on camera influencing a key witness. Critics argue that the recurrence of alleged violations linked to the premises raises broader concerns about respect for legal safeguards.
With Himachal Pradesh already grappling with deforestation, landslides, and climate vulnerability, activists are demanding a transparent inquiry and strict enforcement of forest protection laws, warning that unchecked encroachments could cause lasting ecological damage.
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