Allotted Land Under Encroachment in Assam; Official Failed as Custodians, PIL has been Listed

STAFF REPORTER GUWAHATI:

Land Encroachment Cases in Assam: A number of government authorities in the State have failed as 'custodians of lands' allotted to them. Vast areas of such lands in Kamrup (M) district have been under encroachment now. And this has been proved beyond doubt in the Gauhati High Court.

A suo motto PIL (10/2018) brought an important aspect to the knowledge of the High Court that a vast area of 268 bigha, 2 katha and 5 lechas was under encroachment in Kamrup (M) district. What's significant is that this land was allotted to various departments of the State government. This has come to light in the affidavit submitted to this Court by State Chief Secretary.

According to the affidavit, 2,652 bigha, 2 katha and 17 lechas of land was allotted to different departments. Of them, 268 bigha, 2 katha and 5 lechas was encroached upon. Out of this, the government has been able to regain only 33 bighas, 2 katha and 13 lechas of land, and the remaining 235 bigha of land is still under encroachment.

On behalf of the State government, its counsel D Saikia told the Court, "The Government will work out a scheme. In appropriate cases, complaints will be filed before the appropriate authorities under the Assam Land Grabbing (Prohibition) Act, 2010. Efforts will also be made to work out a concrete scheme for removal of encroachers or settlement, if permissible in law, shall also be explored."

The PIL has been listed for the next hearing on May 28, 2021.

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