Ludhiana: A War on Encroachment - The Battle for Prime Land
In a move aimed at reclaiming prime land for development and generating revenue through industrial parks, the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) has launched a survey to identify encroachments on its properties. The drive, which is expected to conclude by the end of the month, targets 27 vacant plots near Gian Singh Rarewala Market and unauthorized occupations in trust flats.
This development comes in the wake of a recent court ruling that denied interim relief to the owner of Hero Bakery, accused of encroaching on municipal corporation (MC) government land. The owner had claimed prior compounding, but the MC denied it, paving the way for action against the bakery.
The survey is being conducted by eight junior engineers and two estate officers, including Estate Officer Harinder Singh Chahal. While this is one instance of government action against encroachments, the LIT is dealing with a larger problem. The trust has identified several areas where encroachments have taken place, and a demolition drive is planned for next month.
Encroachment on government land is a persistent problem in Ludhiana, with the LIT, MC, and PSIEC (Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation) all facing issues related to unauthorized occupations and land use. While the PSIEC has a history of developing industrial focal points and growth centres, its policies have often prioritized industrial use over housing due to limited land availability.
However, recent government actions have provided relief to industrialists. A one-time settlement (OTS) scheme for over 1,100 PSIEC industrial plot holders resolves disputes on increased land costs and delayed payments. Additionally, an OTS has been approved for decades-old cases, waiving compounding/penal charges, and a freehold conversion policy has been approved, allowing industrialists to convert their leasehold land to freehold.
These relief schemes offer resolution for legitimate plot holders facing cost and penalty issues, potentially stabilizing over 1,100 properties. However, encroachers face surveys, court denials of stays, and enforcement. The LIT's drive against encroachments is part of a broader effort to reclaim prime land for development, generate revenue and employment through industrial parks, and curb staff-enabled violations.
The battle against encroachment is not an easy one. A lack of resources has forced the LIT to delay its survey until after the zila parishad elections. However, the authority is determined to tackle the issue head-on. The survey is expected to conclude by the end of the month, and demolitions are planned for next month.
The consequences of these actions will be far-reaching. Potential demolitions could displace unauthorized occupants or businesses, impacting operations unless settled via schemes like the PSIEC OTS. For industrialists, the relief schemes offer a lifeline, but those who have encroached on government land face a daunting task ahead.
As the LIT continues its drive against encroachments, it is clear that the battle for prime land is far from over. The authority's efforts to reclaim land for development and generate revenue through industrial parks will be closely watched, and the outcome will have a significant impact on the city's future.
📰 Source: Hindustan Times - States
