Officials act blind to encroachment

Dundigal: Land encroachments, especially government lands which usually do not have proper protection, have become a common practice even as officials trying to take action against the culprits. On Friday, officials pulled down the structures allegedly built in government land right opposite to Mandal Revenue Office (MRO) at Dundigal-Gandi Maisamma.

The land under survey number 120/40 which is just opposite MRO of Dundigal-Gandi Mysamma, belongs to the State Government. A person named Murshid invested huge amounts in constructing a fence around the three acres with cement blocks. The revenue officials swung into action and removed cement blocks and fencing from the site. Speaking on the occasion, Revenue Inspector Renuka said that the construction took place while the officers were on election duty. She also said that they installed a display board saying the land belongs to the government.  

Locals question how anyone could encroach government land which is just in front of revenue office without the backing up of any powerful persons. They also wonder why officials were so soft on encroacher.  They did not file any case or even there was no forcible action. The argument of locals becomes more concrete as it is seen that the revenue staff instead of demolishing the structures permanently, kept aside the cement blocks which can be rearranged by the encroacher. When approached, MRO Malliah, said that they would remove the entire fencing and would not spare whoever was behind this act. A thorough inquiry would be conducted, and cases would be filed against them, he assured. 

BY Pathi Madhav