Although several investigations, official reports and departmental documents later followed, and a few attempts were made by the various state authorities to take action on an alleged illegal colony in Khairagarh, no definite steps have been taken yet against the illegal community that had grown up on government land. The case involving the land said to be worth several crores of rupees has now become a major subject of public debate with public queries again coming in regarding delays in implementing the measures. In a letter to the High Commissioner’s office, locals insist that the pending land dispute is mired in paperwork, though the state government has pointed to robust measures to deal with illegal plotting and unregistered colonies.
Nazul land and the forest land acquired as “small shrub jungle” are at the centre of the controversy along with areas recorded under khasra tags No. 167, 169 and 170 in historic Edward Children Park area. Reports have come in about some instances of unapproved plotting on the land o’ the journey man within the department. The Town and Country Planning Department has made observations and it is said that the Nazul branch of the Collector’s Office has told the municipal administration to take action. So far, however, there are no reports of any significant demolition drive, criminal case or action on the ground.
To date, the matter has grown more controversial, partly because cities give building licences on land which, it is claimed, has a clause in the licence saying that approvals to build on plots deemed to be part of illegal colonies were automatically overturned. This has resulted in an increasing public desire for explanation on whether, after the investigations’ results, there were any such permissions and, if so, whether they were recently reviewed, cancelled, or found to be invalid.
In the case of an encroachment occurring on property of significant value, residents say residents feel action is being taken too slowly, but not the same way, for smaller encroachment cases. Municipal authorities have already been told to take action as needed and more could be done if necessary, officials have said.
As the controversy continues, citizens wonder how it is that a case which has already been thoroughly investigated and ordered to be closed has not yet been picked up. Now the focus will shift to whether authorities will go beyond written documents and reviews and take concrete steps in the case of disputed land.