Home/forestrightsSearch ResultsOver 12,813 sq km forest land in India under 'encroachment'. But, who is the 'encroacher'?By Nidhi JamwalResearchers and activists working with the tribals and other forest-dwelling communities pooh-pooh Union environment ministry's recent data on encroachment on the forest land. Unless the Forest Rights Act of 2006 is implemented in both letter and spirit, encroachment will remain a contentious issue. Researchers and activists working with the tribals and other forest-dwelling communities pooh-pooh Union environment ministry's recent data on encroachment on the forest land. Unless the Forest Rights Act of 2006 is implemented in both letter and spirit, encroachment will remain a contentious issue.