Bijnor Officials Suspended Over Illegal Petrol Pump NOC on Protected Farmland
In a significant administrative action, two revenue officials in Bijnor district have been suspended and disciplinary proceedings initiated against a third after serious irregularities were uncovered in the issuance of a no objection certificate (NOC) for a proposed petrol pump on restricted agricultural land.
Details of the Irregularities
The case involves a proposal by the Moradabad division of Indian Oil Corporation to establish a retail fuel outlet at Khedli Hemraj village in Bijnor district. A thorough investigation conducted by the Sadar tehsildar revealed that the land identified for this commercial project falls under the Category 1 (Kh) classification.
This classification is specifically reserved for fertile agricultural land and is strictly prohibited from being used for commercial purposes without prior government approval. Despite this clear restriction, officials allegedly submitted a misleading report that facilitated the issuance of the NOC.
Officials Named in the Investigation
The officials implicated in this irregularity include:
- Survey lekhpal Anil Kumar
- Revenue lekhpal Mohammad Arshad
- Revenue inspector Kumbhkaran Singh
Following a comprehensive review based on a February 23 communication from the district government counsel (revenue), the NOC has been officially declared illegal and recommended for immediate cancellation. The investigative report has been forwarded to District Magistrate Jasjit Kaur for further necessary action.
Immediate Administrative Actions Taken
Acting promptly on the investigation findings, authorities have suspended Anil Kumar and Mohammad Arshad with immediate effect. Disciplinary action has also been formally recommended against Kumbhkaran Singh, with the matter currently under active consideration by senior administrative officials.
Understanding Category 1 (Kh) Land Classification
Category 1 (Kh) land, as defined in Uttar Pradesh land records (khasra/khatauni), is specifically designated for agricultural use and is treated as protected land. This classification carries significant restrictions:
- Such land cannot be used for commercial purposes without prior government approval
- Prohibited activities include petrol pumps, factories, housing projects
- Any non-agricultural activity requires explicit government permission
- The classification aims to protect fertile agricultural land from commercial exploitation
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the protection of agricultural land and the integrity of administrative processes in land use approvals. District authorities have emphasized their commitment to enforcing land classification regulations and maintaining transparency in administrative procedures.
