Bulandshahr forms team to investigate illegal land plotting near Ganga

Bulandshahr’s administration has taken decisive action against alleged illegal land plotting along the banks of the Ganga in Anupshahr. Acting on a complaint by social activist Gyanendra Singh Raghav, SDM Arun Kumar Verma has formed a seven-member joint investigation team comprising officials from the revenue and consolidation departments. The team has been tasked with conducting a thorough probe and submitting a detailed report, including geo-tagged photographs.

In his complaint dated July 6 to the Meerut Commissioner, Raghav alleged that large-scale illegal activities were underway in the Ganga floodplains and surrounding areas, including Jafrabad. He claimed that soil was being dumped to block natural water channels of the river, violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) norms. Additionally, he accused land mafias of colluding with local authorities to illegally plot hundreds of bighas of land belonging to the gram samaj, municipal bodies, and Dalit farmers.

SDM Verma has appointed Naib Tehsildar and Assistant Consolidation Officer as team leaders, supported by Revenue Inspector Jaiveer Singh and four lekhpals — Prince Priya, Sabir Ali, Kamalkant, and Rajan Gupta. The team has been directed to coordinate efficiently and complete the investigation promptly. The administration has assured that legal action will follow based on the findings, and any illegal encroachment on government, gram samaj, or Dalit-owned land will be immediately removed.

SDM Verma has warned of strict measures against those found guilty of encroachment. Meanwhile, local activists and affected villagers have welcomed the administration’s move, expressing hope that geo-tagged evidence and the team’s report will lead to effective recovery and monitoring of the disputed lands.