The Forestry Department says half of the Chipata Local Forestry has been encroached.
Acting Provincial Forestry Officer, Kingsley Muyunda told Breeze News that people have continued building in the forestry even after continued sensitisation.
Mr Muyunda however, says the department will not allow the illegal activities to continue.
He says that people building in the forest have already been warned with letters to stop and vacate the piece of land before the law is applied.
Mr. Muyunda noted that the illegal settlers are being deceived by unknown people that the area has been given to the council and that the forestry department has opened it up for settlement when in fact not.
Meanwhile Mr. Muyunda has revealed that Chipata Municipal Council had applied to the forestry department to take over the land for developmental projects.
He says nothing has yet been agreed upon for the council to go ahead.