ScienceJuly 18, 2026
encroachment
/ɪnˈkroʊtʃmənt/
Definition
The act of gradually taking over or occupying land, such as a riverbank or wetland, usually for unauthorized construction or development.
Etymology
Derived from the Old French word 'encrochier,' meaning 'to hook or seize.' It entered Middle English to describe the act of intruding upon another's territory or rights, literally implying a 'hooking' of land.
In the news
In the article, encroachment refers to the illegal or unplanned building on rivers and wetlands, which restricts natural water flow and worsens flooding. It is cited as a major human-led factor that exacerbates climate-related disasters.
DHORA urges science-based flood management to tackle climate risks
Read the full article ↗daily-sun.com