Villagers are protesting the illegal construction of a house on common government land in Mauza-Yamuna, under the Kumhardaga Panchayat. The construction, allegedly being carried out by Rekha Devi, is encroaching on land historically used by local tribal communities for grazing and watering cattle.
On Thursday, villagers from Tira Kalyanpur submitted a formal complaint to the Deputy Commissioner and other officials, demanding an immediate halt to the work.
Impact On Public Infrastructure And Safety
The land in question is designated as a Gairmajarua Bandh Khet (common embankment field) in official records. It lies adjacent to a vital tarmac road that serves as the main route for dozens of villages, including Tira and Kalyanpur, and is a key transport link for the Maa Chhinnamastika Mandir Rajrappa Dham.
The villagers' complaint highlights several critical issues:
Flooding: The construction is blocking a culvert designed to drain rainwater from the main road (which connects to NH-23). This will cause water to overflow onto the road, leading to damage.
Road Hazard: The encroachment is narrowing the road, creating a constant risk of accidents for the thousands who use it.
Existing Damage: The digging of the foundation has already damaged the road's guard wall by obstructing water flow.
History Of Complaints And Alleged Intimidation
This is not the first time the issue has been raised. In 2023, after villagers protested, the Deputy Commissioner ordered the Gola Circle Officer to stop the construction, which was done in the public interest. However, the work has recently and illegally resumed.
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Villagers submitted a fresh application to the Gola Circle Officer on September 14, but claim no action has been taken. When they try to object at the site, they are allegedly met with verbal abuse, threats of physical assault, and warnings of being framed in false cases by the encroachers.
This has created an atmosphere of fear and anger, with villagers concerned that an untoward incident could occur at any time. They are demanding an immediate investigation and a permanent stop to the illegal construction to protect public land and ensure their safety.