Shimla, Aug 6 (Reporter) The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the Chief Secretary and the District Administration to remove encroachment from government land in Mandi district, a lawyer said on Tuesday. Justices Vivek Singh Thakur and Bipin Chander Negi issued the directive in the case titled Gopal Singh versus State of HP & Others in which the petitioner challenged the eviction order dated July 5, 2016, issued by the Divisional Commissioner in case No. 164/16. This eviction was based on an earlier order from the Collector-cum-Divisional Forest Officer of Karsog, directing the removal of Gopal Singh from forest land in Muhal Mohwa, Tehsil Karsog, District Mandi. The petitioner’s claim of adverse possession was dismissed, as evidence showed that he had applied for regularisation of the encroachment, thereby acknowledging the state’s ownership of the property. The court ordered the concerned Revenue Officers and Forest Authorities to properly identify and take possession of the encroached land by September 16, with a compliance affidavit to be submitted by September 30. Additionally, any other encroachments found during the demarcation process must be removed within six months. The court emphasized the seriousness of non-compliance, warning of adverse actions against any dereliction. The entire process is to be video documented, with copies of the recordings submitted as part of the compliance report. The Advocate General has been instructed to inform the Chief Secretary of this order to ensure timely enforcement. The court has scheduled a compliance review for September 30...////...