DJ Venkatesh
Diglipur, Jan 04: Taking a serious stand against encroachment the Lt. Governor had recently said that fresh encroachment will not be tolerated but in Diglipur the story seems to be totally different.
The public at Diglipur never heard of any encroachment eviction drive by the Diglipur authorities in the recent years or any advisory or phone number issued to pass any information on land grabbling.
All they heard is removing tea stalls from the main road in case any VIP movement in the name of eviction drive.
The encroachers have become so fearless that they not only encroaching APWD land but also letting out the same to others.
It is alleged that a large area of Navin Nagar is encroached by land grabbers. Encroachers in the area include high profile leaders of various political parties, including sitting and ex PRIs. They not only encroach Government land but they are also motivating and promoting the public to encroach.
Around 350-400 APWD quarters in Subhash gram and Diglipur Panchayat which are dilapidated conditions are encroached by the occupant during their service as well as after their retirement.
In the past PWD authorities never took any action against these encroachers and at present also they are keeping their eyes closed. Inaction by APWD has promoted the people to convert government quarters as their personnel property.
On the other hand Revenue authorities also seem to be taking tight nap on the excuse of shortage of Revenue staffs. Fresh encroachment and constructions are in progress near Revenue officials’ residence, which are not visible to the officials.
While retirement the occupant has to take clearance from APWD and Electricity closing of water and electricity connections for their departmental benefits but how can they are continuing with these services are better known to the authorities.
Taking experience from past the APWD should start fencing the existing quarters alongwith attached government land since the public has now started encroaching the government land adjacent quarters. Taking no legal action at the initial stage of encroachment against these encroachers may lead to legal issued in coming days and this will also be an encouragement for the encroachers.
It has been learnt that a large number of encroachers are now seeking help of top politicians to get their encroach land regularized, making it clear that regularization of encroached land will be prominent election issue.
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