Camping inside Malsi protected forest sparks conservation concerns

Dehradun: A group of visitors was allegedly found camping inside the Malsi protected forest range on Sunday, raising concerns over possible violations of forest rules and prompting calls for stricter protection of the ecologically sensitive area.locals said the group had allegedly pitched tents and set up tables and chairs inside the forest. Horses and several vehicles, which they claimed were linked to a nearby hotel, were also taken into the protected area. The incident came to light after a passerby recorded videos of the gathering. Camping and other recreational activities are prohibited inside the protected range. When contacted, Mussoorie divisional forest officer Amit Kanwar said the department would look into the matter.Environmental activist Reenu Paul said protected forests were meant for conservation, not recreation. “Commercial establishments in the vicinity cannot be allowed to exploit these fragile ecosystems. Such incidents send the wrong message and undermine conservation efforts,” she said.Paul also alleged that warning boards informing visitors about prohibited activities had been removed. She said clear signboards should be reinstalled to inform visitors that the area has restricted access.

“People should immediately know they are entering a protected forest where certain activities are prohibited. Visible signage acts as a deterrent and helps safeguard the area,” she said.A resident who regularly walks through the forest said a lockable gate should be installed at the entrance and CCTV cameras should be set up to strengthen surveillance. He said the area had already witnessed other instances of misuse.“Visitors should not be allowed to carry food or musical equipment into the forest so that it remains clean and free from noise pollution. Around 20 unauthorised graves have already been identified inside the forest, and stricter monitoring is needed to prevent further misuse,” he said.