Morni's Persistent Land Limbo: High Court Slams Haryana Forest Secretary Over Demarcation Delays

Imagine being unable to build on your own land, connect basic electricity, or even properly develop your property, all because of a bureaucratic bottleneck that just won't clear. That's the frustrating reality for many in Morni, Panchkula. The heart of the matter? A long-delayed demarcation of forest land, a situation that has now pushed the esteemed Punjab and Haryana High Court to its absolute limit.

Indeed, the patience of the High Court has clearly worn thin. In a recent, rather stern move, they've gone so far as to issue a contempt of court notice to Haryana's Forest Secretary, Vijay Singh Dahiya. Why such a drastic step, you ask? Well, it all boils down to a glaring failure to meet repeated deadlines – not just one, but several – for demarcating crucial forest land in the picturesque Morni hills. It's a stark reminder that judicial orders are not to be taken lightly.

This isn't a new issue, mind you; it's a saga that has dragged on. Back in May 2023, specifically on the 18th, the court had explicitly ordered the Forest Department to complete this demarcation by the end of that very month, May 31st. A clear, unequivocal directive. But, alas, it didn't happen. Later, an affidavit was submitted to the court, promising the job would be wrapped up by December 31, 2023. And here we are, well into 2024, and still, the crucial lines remain largely un-drawn, leaving a cloud of ambiguity over the region.

It’s not just about paperwork; this delay has very real, tangible consequences for the Morni villagers. They're caught in a perplexing limbo, unable to carry out essential activities like constructing homes, getting power connections, or even selling their property because of this ongoing ambiguity. You see, any development in these areas requires a 'No Objection Certificate,' or NOC, from the Forest Department, and without clear demarcation, that's simply not forthcoming. It’s truly a bind, leaving them in a perpetual state of uncertainty and economic stagnation.

The judges, undoubtedly exasperated by the continuous non-compliance, didn't mince words. They expressed deep concern, highlighting that the Forest Department officials seem to act with an almost cavalier disregard for judicial orders. "It appears the officers believe they can get away with anything," the court observed, a sentiment that speaks volumes about the level of frustration. They also powerfully emphasized the severe hardship faced by the innocent villagers, whose lives are essentially on hold due to this bureaucratic inertia and apparent indifference.

So, what's the next chapter in this unfolding saga? The contempt notice means the Forest Secretary now has a legal obligation to respond to these serious allegations, explaining the persistent delays. The case is slated for its next hearing on April 30. It's a critical juncture, one where the court hopes to finally see some concrete action and accountability for these frustrating, long-standing delays. One can only hope for a swift and definitive resolution for the sake of the Morni residents, who have waited far too long.