Supreme Court Decision Regarding Scrub Forests Is Historic Says CM Devendra Fadnavis

Fadnavis explained that when the state of Maharashtra was formed, the lands of Vidarbha were classified as "bush forests" in the revenue records. This classification, established under a law passed in 1980, granted these lands forest status, which led to the stalling of key development initiatives in the region. Consequently, vital projects, including irrigation and development works, were halted, severely impacting the growth and welfare of Vidarbha’s people. In addition, Nagpur station and the High Court were also given "bush forest" certificates, further hindering development.

Fadnavis pointed out that the slum dwellers in the region were also denied ownership rights. However, in response, the Chief Minister had set up a committee to investigate the issue and submit a report to ensure that the residents received these rights. He credited the Supreme Court’s ruling as a step towards providing justice, stating that the court had balanced development and environmental concerns. “The Supreme Court has done the important work of bringing justice to the people of Vidarbha,” Fadnavis said, calling the decision commendable.

In addition to his comments on Vidarbha’s development, Fadnavis also addressed the recent killing of Maoist leader Prasad Raju by his own security personnel. The Chief Minister asserted that Maoism in India is in its final stages, and the ideology will soon be eradicated completely.