Following the reports of large scale encroachment on notified lands during elections, Noida Authority has decided to undertake massive anti-encroachment drive across the region. In the initial phase, authority has planned to reclaim illegally occupied land in city area and once lok Sabha election process ends, focus will be on floodplain areas along the Yamuna and Hindon rivers, lands belonging to gram sabhas and areas in the vicinity of Okhla Bird Sanctuary.
With over half police’ strength, along with officials of other departments, busy in election duty in other parts of Uttar Pradesh, around 10-15 per cent area of open space has illegally been occupied by the colonisers, property dealers, musclemen and farmers.
Nearly 1,000 policemen along with hundreds of officials of other departments have been deployed to other districts of Uttar Pradesh for election duty leading to staff crunch in entire Gautambudh Nagar area. The area witnessed spurt in encroachment activities during this period. The squatters have not only occupied lands in riverbed but have constructed small colonies in sanctuary area also.
They have also encroached big chunk of open land in city area and have erected buildings also. Sources claim that around 30 per cent area of notified land is in illegal possession of squatters across the Noida region. Most affected regions are Sorka, Hindon and Yamuna river region, sectors along Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, Okhla Bird Sanctuary area and regions along with NH 24 where several projects are delayed due to illegal encroachment.
A senior official of Noida authority said that they were reported about spurt in encroachment and have started crack down. They have started reclaiming land in city areas first and once police force will back in the district, massive drive will be conducted across the city. “We have sought reports from circle officers of the area. Once the encroached areas are identified, we have started eviction drive. However, we will conduct anti-encroachment on large scale once total allotted police force is available,” said VK Panwar, Additional CEO of Noida Authority.