Illegal Mazars in Rajaji Tiger Reserve spark controversy; anti-encroachment drive halted due to stay order

Haridwar: Uttarakhand’s Rajaji Tiger Reserve, the state’s second largest tiger reserve, is facing a serious issue of illegal shrines built on forest land. While the Dhami government has demolished hundreds of such structures elsewhere, including Corbett Tiger Reserve, Rajaji remains entangled in legal hurdles.

In the last few years, the Uttarakhand government launched a campaign to clear encroachments from government forest land. Bulldozers demolished 573 illegal tombs and shrines across the state, none of which contained human remains. The drive was seen as a strong step against misuse of faith for land occupation.

Multiple illegal shrines have been built inside the reserve

In Rajaji, however, the problem persists. Reports suggest that multiple illegal shrines have been built inside the reserve, particularly near the Old Industrial Area close to Haridwar’s famous Har Ki Pauri. Ironically, while tourists are not even allowed to walk freely in the reserve, visitors openly access these shrines using two‑wheelers and four‑wheelers.

DM Haridwar already informed park administration

The Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit has already informed the park administration about the issue. Yet, the administration claims that a court stay order prevents them from taking action. As a result, not only do the existing structures remain, but new shrines have reportedly been built nearby, expanding the scope of encroachment.

Religious organizations reactions

Haridwar, known worldwide as a center of Sanatan faith, has seen growing anger among Hindu organizations over the presence of non‑Sanatan structures in the area. Shri Ganga Sabha President Nitin Gautam stated that such shrines have no place in Haridwar and warned that if the administration fails to act, they will be forced to take their own measures.

Similarly, Mahamandaleshwar Roopendra Prakash Ji Maharaj, head of the ancient Avdhoot Ashram, supported the demand for removal of illegal constructions, stressing that encroachment on sacred land cannot be tolerated.

Illegal land occupation will not be allowed: CM Dhami

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has reiterated that while faith will be respected, its misuse for illegal land occupation will not be allowed. The government’s campaign has already removed 538 illegal mazars across Uttarakhand, but Rajaji Tiger Reserve remains a sensitive flashpoint due to the court’s intervention.

With a court stay halting demolition, the encroachments continue to grow, raising concerns about forest protection and social harmony. The government insists that misuse of faith for land occupation will not be tolerated, but until the legal hurdles are cleared, Rajaji’s forests remain under threat.