The Madhya Pradesh High Court (Gwalior Bench) has directed the constitution of a multi-disciplinary committee to address large-scale illegal encroachment and excavation of hillocks in and around Gwalior, observing that the issue raises an “existential” concern beyond mere legal or administrative dimensions.

The directions came in a public interest litigation highlighting widespread degradation of government land and hillocks due to activities of land mafias. The Court noted that continued excavation and encroachment could lead to irreversible environmental damage and worsening climatic conditions in the region.

Invoking the Public Trust Doctrine, the Court emphasised that the State is duty-bound to protect natural resources from private exploitation. It also highlighted the need for urgent and coordinated action involving administrative authorities, subject experts, and civil society.

Accordingly, the Court ordered the formation of a committee under the chairmanship of the District Collector, Gwalior, comprising officials from the municipal corporation, police, forest and mining departments, along with subject experts including academicians, medical professionals, and environmental specialists. The committee has been tasked with surveying all hillocks, preventing further encroachment and illegal excavation, and implementing afforestation measures.

The Court directed that the hillocks be secured through fencing or other mechanisms and developed into “city forests” through large-scale plantation drives, including medicinal and ecologically beneficial species to promote biodiversity and environmental sustainability. It also stressed the role of “social audit,” encouraging active participation of local residents and civic bodies in urban governance and environmental protection.

Further, authorities have been directed to ensure strict enforcement against illegal mining activities, while exploring water harvesting measures and digital monitoring tools for plantation and environmental tracking. The Court also encouraged replication of the model in other regions.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 23, 2026, with directions for submission of an interim compliance report on the constitution and functioning of the committee.

Appearances: 

For the Petitioner: Shri Rajnish Sharma, Advocate.

For the Respondents/State: Shri Vivek Khedkar, Additional Advocate General/Senior Advocate with Shri Ravindra Dixit, Government Advocate.