More than 2,700 hectares of forestland in Rauthat has been encroached upon in the name of landless and conflict victims, according to the records at the District Forest Office. 

District Forest Officer Dirgharaj Koirala said the illegal settlers have occupied the forestland in the Chure region and the office alone cannot evict them due to lack of human resources.

The settlers, who have come from different parts of the country, have cleared the forests and built their huts in places like Bholantar, Arunbasti, Paurai, Judibela and Morange areas. Incidents of encroachment have taken place in Balari, Bishrampur, Beldi, Batauna, Kanakpur, Maidha and Simari areas.