Shikohpur Land Dispute Nears Resolution as Centre Agrees to Release Land
The long-running Shikohpur land dispute in Gurgaon district appears to be moving toward a final resolution. The Central government has now assured villagers it will release their land from acquisition for the Krishi Vigyan Kendra project. This development brings hope to residents who have faced uncertainty for decades.
Key Meeting in Delhi Brings Breakthrough
Haryana Industry Minister Rao Narbir Singh led a delegation of villagers to meet Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in Delhi on Thursday. Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav also attended the crucial meeting. Officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendra were present as well.
The group discussed administrative and technical aspects of the land issue thoroughly. Following these discussions, Minister Chouhan directed KVK officials to take necessary action regarding the concerned land. He specifically instructed them to provide relief to the villagers of Shikohpur.
Four Decades of Settlement at Stake
The Shikohpur colony has existed on approximately seven acres of land for about forty years. Villagers built permanent houses there with basic facilities like electricity and water available for a long time. Families have their identity cards and voter cards registered at this address, proving the settlement has been socially established for years.
Originally, this land was registered in the name of the gram panchayat. Authorities transferred it for KVK purposes in 1984. Out of a total sixty-five acres earmarked for KVK, fifty-two acres were acquired and used for developing the centre. The remaining land parcel stayed with the villagers.
Legal Battles and Demolition Threats
In 2000, KVK approached the local court to clear the remaining land. The institution issued multiple demolition notices to villagers over the years. The situation remained tense as residents faced the possibility of losing their homes.
The Deputy Commissioner wrote a letter to the government on November 7, 2024. This communication highlighted that villagers strongly objected to their land being declared part of an acquisition zone. Multiple inspections followed this objection.
Official Inspections Support Villagers
Naib Tehsildar and other district officials carried out several inspections of the area. Their reports recommended excluding the 'lal dora' or abadi area from the project. They noted that houses and population clusters fell directly within the notified project area.
The inspection findings supported the villagers' position that their settlement should remain undisturbed. These recommendations played a crucial role in the recent decision-making process.
Centre Takes Decisive Action
The Central government has now decided to take back cases filed before courts regarding this land dispute. This move aims to clear the scheduled caste colony of Shikohpur from acquisition for the Indian Agriculture Research Institute's KVK project.
This decision represents a significant shift in approach after years of legal wrangling. It acknowledges the long-standing presence of the community on this land and their legitimate claims to remain there.
The resolution promises to end a conflict that has lingered for generations. Villagers can now look forward to securing their homes and community without the constant threat of displacement hanging over them.
