India, Jan. 27 -- A demolition drive inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park triggered tense scenes on Tuesday morning as hundreds of residents, including women and elderly people, gathered inside the protected forest area to oppose the eviction.

The protest erupted after forest authorities moved to clear structures in the Navapada area of SGNP, prompting strong resistance from families who claimed the demolished houses had been their homes for generations. Residents alleged the action violated their traditional rights and ignored safeguards provided under the Forest Rights Act (FRA). They also criticised the administration for issuing eviction notices during a holiday period, leaving them little time to respond or seek legal relief.

Forest ...