Nainital: A major controversy has erupted in the Bhumiyadhar area near Bhowali after allegations surfaced that a mosque, originally built on just over 2 nali of leased land, has expanded its footprint to nearly 45 nali of government land. The issue has triggered serious questions over the functioning and vigilance of the Forest Department and district administration, particularly regarding the construction and expansion of structures in reserved forest zones.
The situation came to light after a video went viral on social media claiming that the mosque had been built on forest land and that its management had gradually occupied the surrounding area. Acting upon the viral video, the Nainital district administration dispatched a joint team from the Revenue Department and Forest Department to the site. Their preliminary findings revealed that approximately 45 nali of land had been enclosed within the mosque’s boundary wall, far exceeding the area originally allotted.
According to records examined by the Forest Department, the mosque was given 5016 square feet (around 2 nali and 5 muthi) of land on lease back in 1924. However, the lease period expired several years ago. Despite this, the structure appears to have expanded massively over time. The current situation indicates that nearly 43 nali of additional land—classified as government land—has been encroached upon.
Further confusion arises from revenue records. While the Forest Department’s documents indicate limited leased land, the Revenue Department found that around 45 nali of land is listed under Nagar Palika records, raising questions about overlapping jurisdictions, documentation lapses, and possible negligence.
District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Rayal confirmed that the administration is probing the timeline and legality of the structure’s expansion. “An investigation is underway to determine how and when the structure grew from its original allotted area. We have asked the DFO to submit a detailed report along with all land-related documents,” the DM said.
Meanwhile, the controversy has gained attention at the state level. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who has been monitoring cases of illegal religious structures on government land across Uttarakhand, has emphasized strict action. According to official sources, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu has also spoken directly with the Nainital administration regarding the matter.
CM Dhami issued a clear statement in which he said, ““Illegal religious structures built on government land are being removed. We will not allow the sacred cultural character of Devbhoomi to be altered in any manner. The Bhumiyadhar mosque case is being examined thoroughly under legal procedures.”
The incident has intensified the ongoing administrative scrutiny in Nainital district where several cases of encroachment on government and forest land—particularly for religious structures—are already under review. With political, administrative, and public attention converging on the Bhumiyadhar mosque case, a clearer picture is expected to emerge once the Forest Department submits its detailed report.
As the investigation deepens, the key question remains: How did a structure on 2 nali of leased forest land expand to 45 nali without official intervention?
