Bahraich Administration Conducts Major Bulldozer Drive Against Illegal Encroachments
In a significant enforcement action, the Bahraich district administration carried out a comprehensive bulldozer drive targeting illegally constructed houses on government land. The operation, which took place on Tuesday in the Nanpara area, resulted in the demolition of 16 residential structures that had been unlawfully occupying public property for nearly two decades.
Longstanding Encroachment on Government Land
According to official reports, the affected families had been living in these houses for approximately 20 years after constructing dwellings on designated pond and 'khalihan' (threshing floor) land. The administration's action followed persistent legal violations and failure to comply with multiple notices issued to the encroachers.
Land Records and Legal Basis for Action
Revenue records clearly indicate the government ownership of the contested land parcels:
- Gata No. 280, measuring 0.1900 hectares in Imam Nagar Gadarhwa village of Nanpara tehsil, is officially recorded as khalihan land
- Gata No. 68, measuring 0.154 hectares, is documented as pond land
The Sub-Divisional Magistrate confirmed that all 16 individuals had constructed houses and illegally occupied the khalihan land despite receiving formal notices to vacate the premises.
Court-Ordered Demolition and Land Reclamation
The administration executed the demolition drive strictly in compliance with court directions. As a result of this decisive action, approximately five bighas of valuable government land has been successfully reclaimed by the district authorities. This represents a significant recovery of public assets that had been misappropriated for residential purposes.
Impact and Local Reaction
The bulldozer operation has created considerable concern among other potential encroachers in the Nanpara area, serving as a strong deterrent against future illegal construction on government property. The administration's firm stance demonstrates its commitment to upholding land laws and protecting public resources from unauthorized occupation.
This enforcement action highlights the ongoing challenges of land encroachment in various regions and the administration's determination to address such violations through legal means. The recovered land parcels, originally designated for community purposes like water conservation and agricultural activities, can now potentially be restored to their intended uses for public benefit.
