Jagran correspondent, Rudrapur: 350 structures built illegally on Nazul and ceiling land in Rudrapur's Paharganj are facing government action. This follows the confiscation of surplus land exceeding legal ownership limits under the Land Ceiling Act. Following investigation, demolition orders have been issued for 200 of these buildings.
On Tuesday, a joint administration team visited the area and served demolition orders to 200 building owners. Residents have been given one month to vacate the encroached land.
Orders Served To 200 Building Owners
Udham Singh Nagar district is rife with encroachments. First in Kichha, then in Gadarpur, Kashipur, Kheda in Rudrapur, and now in the Paharganj area, illegally constructed buildings on government land are facing administrative action.
A joint team of District Development Authority, Revenue Department, Municipal Corporation, Police Department and Electricity Department, led by Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Upadhyay, reached the area on Tuesday afternoon and served demolition orders amid heavy police force.
Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Upadhyay said that the District Development Authority had previously issued challans against approximately 350 illegal constructions in this area. In this sequence, a joint team arrived on the scene and served demolition orders to 200 building owners.
After the stipulated period is over, demolition action will be taken as per the rules. The administrative team included Municipal Commissioner Shipra Joshi Pandey, Sub-District Magistrate Manish Bisht, Tehsildar Dinesh Kutaula, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Anil Joshi, and others.
Additional District Magistrate Pankaj Upadhyay stated that during inspections of encroached buildings, electrical connections were found to be operational. The validity of these connections will be investigated.
Additionally, an investigation will be conducted to determine whether the District Magistrate's orders were violated in granting the connections. Negligence at any level will not be tolerated in this matter; direct action will be taken. Furthermore, the electricity and drinking water connections of the buildings involved will be removed before demolition.
Land Sold To Outsiders, Muslims, Claim Locals
While the administrative team was inspecting the area, local residents openly made allegations before ADM Pankaj Upadhyay and other officials. They stated that Darshan Singh and some of his associates were extorting large sums of money from outsiders and members of the Muslim community to settle here.
The ADM has taken these complaints seriously and has decided to form an investigation committee. Officials said that if the allegations are confirmed, action will also be recommended against the individuals involved through the Land Fraud Committee.
The administration reiterated that protecting public land is a top priority and that all illegal constructions on government land will be removed in accordance with regulations. The joint team's action caused a stir in the area.
(With Inputs From Lalit Pandey)