SDM checks 'land-grab' attempt in Shivalik Hills
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
, Posted by Unknown at 4:48 AM
The alleged attempt by land mafia to grab close to 600 acre village common land in Majri block came to a naught on Friday when the Kharar sub-divisional magistrate set aside the orders of naib-tehsildar and restored its original status.
Some local leaders, in connivance with property dealers, had allegedly secured the ‘girdawari’ (harvest inspection) of village common land located in Shivalik Hills in their names, thus giving them its possession.
On Friday, acting as Kharar collector, SDM Rajeev Gupta directed that the ownership status be restored to the earlier one. He was hearing 11 applications filed by villagers against five ‘girdawaris’ involving 600 acre.
Earlier, the Majri naib tehsildar had entered five ‘girdwaris’ — three on April 1 and two on April 5 — leaving the residents fuming as they claimed that the area came under village common land. Ever since, the villagers had been on a massive protest against the decision.
Mohali deputy commissioner P S Mand said if the inquiry revealed that the ‘girdawaris’ were made against norms then action would be initiated against the naib tehsildar. ‘‘Additional deputy commissioner (general) is conducting a separate probe,’’ he added.
After the issue was highlighted, a case was registered against the sarpanch of Gurha village, Sham Lal, for stopping forest officials from carrying out their duty. Residents of five villages had complained that Sham Lal had illegally taken possession of the land in connivance with some influential persons. A block forest officer of Majri block was also suspended when he was prima facie found guilty of land-grab.
Recently, around 200 residents of Majri, Bhagindi, Kasoli, Krondewala and Gurha had held protest demonstrations outside the Mohali DC office, demanding the cancellation of ‘girdawaris’.
Currently have 0 comments: