Land sharks continue hoodwinking the poor

Qutubullapur: Ignorance of revenue officials towards the increasing land shark menace in the areas around Qutubullapur, Suraram and Jagadgirigutta are costing poor people their hard earned money which they spend on purchasing the illegally encroached plots. 

With no clear markings on government or private lands, land grabbers are not hesitating to develop the areas as their own and trap poor to middle-class people luring them of living spaces with a minimal cost to either rent or sell. 

Although the network of land encroachment is completely visible to both the public and the authorities, no action has been taken to control the illegal activities in the area. It may be recalled that just a few days ago as per the instructions of the Collector, a review meeting was held at the Gandi-Maisamma revenue office wherein it was decided collectively by the RDO along with the local MLA and MLC to identify illegally occupied government spaces and to crack a whip on the occupants irrespective of their political backing.

But a close source, on condition of anonymity, discloses that unlawful encroachments of public property are being openly done under the strong guidance of local leaders and members of several ruling political party members residing in and around the areas.  
It is also said that the officials have been letting go of these serious issues for personal gains thereby causing heavy losses to the state exchequer.

 Moreover, when someone goes to complain about these types of activities to the government officials, they engage them in a series of unending blame games till the issue finally subsides.  When enquired Mandal Revenue Officer of Qutubullapur Bhoopal assured that such kind of activities will longer be tolerated and that they would stringent measures in filing charges the culprits to bring the situation under control.

But amidst all the confusion the most  affected are the poor families who purchase the plots with dreams of building a bright future for their children and are left shelterless when their houses get razed after being highlighted in media channels or newspapers. It is unfortunate that for a benefit of only a few, a lot of lives are put at stake!

By Pathi Madhav