NAGPUR: Maharashtra’s revenue minister, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, stated that no homes built on shrubland forest (zudpi jungle) areas, which have been taxed by local bodies, will be demolished. He emphasized the importance of this for the dignity and survival of nearly 200,000 families, especially in Vidarbha.
Bawankule chaired a meeting at Mantralaya to tackle this ongoing issue, warning revenue and forest department officials against delays in the regularization of these homes.
“These individuals have lived on these lands for generations. Gram panchayats and relevant authorities acknowledge their presence, taxes have been collected, and their names appear in the 8A registers. Yet, they lack ownership—this is unjust,” he remarked.
The minister instructed officials to finalize the regularization process and provide land titles to eligible households within three months. “Create a detailed village-wise plan, conduct site visits, and submit physical verification reports. If a re-survey is needed, carry it out. No homes will be demolished—every family deserves rightful ownership,” he added.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on May 22, 2025, classified approximately 86,000 hectares of zudpi jungle across the districts of Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli as forest land but acknowledged the long-standing human settlements there. A diversion proposal is required to safeguard these homes within three months.
Bawankule pressed for updates on this matter and demanded immediate feedback from officials. Participating in the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Forests) Milind Mhaiskar, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shomita Biswas, Nagpur Divisional Commissioner Vijayalakshmi Bidari, and other senior officials, several of whom joined via videoconference.
Many families residing on these shrubland areas are denied basic rights and benefits, including those under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, due to the lack of land titles. Bawankule indicated that the state might consider providing alternative land if necessary, reiterating, “We will protect every home and ensure justice is served.”
He has requested a comprehensive report within two days to expedite the legalization process and prevent further delays in welfare and development initiatives.
