Rishikesh Erupts in Violence Over Forest Land Survey; Railway Tracks and Highways Blocked, 5 Policemen Injured

Tensions escalated in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, on Sunday as local residents protested a forest land survey conducted by the Forest Department in populated areas. Angry demonstrators blocked the Haridwar–Rishikesh railway tracks and the national highway, leading to severe disruption of road and rail traffic. Five policemen were injured in stone-pelting incidents during the clashes.

Protests and Blockades
The unrest began around noon when residents from Amitgram, Mansa Devi, and Geetanagar blocked the Haridwar bypass. Protesters then occupied the railway tracks near Mansa Devi Phatak and barricaded the national highway near Geetanagar’s IDPL City Gate. The blockade caused multiple passenger trains, including the Barmer Express, Kochiveli Express, and Yoga Express, to halt unexpectedly, leaving travelers stranded and anxious.

Violence and Police Injuries
The situation intensified around 3:30 PM when protesters began pelting stones at the police, forcing officers to retreat. The stone-pelting spread from the railway tracks to the Haridwar-Rishikesh highway, creating panic among motorists and pedestrians. Five policemen were injured, including CO Dr. Purnima Garg, who narrowly escaped serious harm.

Reinforcements and Restoration of Order
Additional forces were called from Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, and Pauri, including PAC units. By evening, the authorities regained control after a flag march through affected areas, restoring traffic on both roads and railways. SSP Ajay Singh warned that strict action would be taken against those disrupting peace.

Background
The Forest Department, citing Supreme Court orders, is conducting surveys in several densely populated areas including Miranagar, Bapugram, Bisebigha, Shivajinagar, Mansa Devi, Amitgram, Malviyanagar, and Nandufarm. Residents have strongly opposed the survey, escalating tensions with the administration.

The protests caused significant hardship for local commuters and passengers from other states, highlighting the challenges authorities face in balancing administrative mandates with public dissent.

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