Government land worth crores of rupees has been encroached by several influential persons for last many years under the very nose of the local administration, particularly the Tehsildar, here.
As per reports, prime land near Chandabali square under Athagarh NAC has been under illegal occupation where a temple has been erected and several shops and a nationalised bank are operating from buildings there.
In another case, a garage owner who has occupied Government land on lease basis only to open his garage, has encroached an acre of land adjacent to the garage and constructed about 15 big rooms at Chandabali square which have been given to shops on rent basis for the last three decades.
Similarly, some police officials and other influential persons have constructed buildings on Government lands with the knowledge of unscrupulous revenue officers who are allegedly maintaining silence for vested interest. Several unauthorised and unregistered clubs have also encroached land.
Two slums have developed on Government land in front of Gopabandhu Womens’ College and Office of the Assistant Registrar. Several persons have also encroached roadside plots at several location in the town.
Even though the Government has sanctioned about Rs 20 lakh for eviction drive and identifying the Government plots in Athagarh, the Tehsildar here is sitting idle. The land encroachment creates unnecessary traffic jam in Athagarh market area, causing accidents and other mishaps almost daily.