The Odisha Liveable Habitat Mission, also known as Jaga
Mission, has led to encroachment of land in increasing number in
Subarnapur district.
A burning example is the district headquarters town of Sonepur where
Government lands under encroachment by many people. Even some of
the beneficiaries have received pattas (Records of Rights).
The local civic body is clearing the encroachments through eviction
drives but the success rate is very minimal in the town. Moreover,
influential affluent people are grabbing Government land taking
advantage of the existing loopholes in the law.
These affluent persons are acquiring the Government lands despite
having their own houses and lands in their villages. This has happened
due to existing vote bank politics in the area which is favouring the
encroachers in grabbing lands.
On the other hand, local residents in the town despite paying their taxes
in time have been deprived of receiving the minimum benefits. However
the encroachers after receiving the pattas are allegedly being provided
with all the benefits.
Some taxpayers have alleged that they have no objection in providing
Government benefits to the poor and the landless after providing them
with land Pattas, but objected to the affluent persons grabbing
Government benefits on the pretext of being poor and landless.
Reports said the intensity of encroachments can be gauged from the fact
that houses have been built on different areas of the town in Government
land and forested areas in Sonepur town.
The costly and high value lands are being encroached. This apart,
Government lands are being sold at prices between Rs 40,000 and Rs 4
lakh per gunth.
When contacted, Executive Officer of Sonepur Municipality Suryansu
Root said around more than 300 beneficiaries were provided with land
certificates under the Jaga Mission Scheme.
Among them, some beneficiaries have been sanctioned houses under the
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana while some have received work orders for
house construction.