Sitting on history, Ther Mound settlers in Sirsa stare at eviction
HISAR : As the survey to identify land and number of settlers on Ther mound (a mound of archaeological importance in Sirsa), more than 1,500 families are uneasy as they will have to vacate their houses as directed by the Punjab and Haryana high court.
In 2017, as many as 753 families had vacated their houses from the upper portion of the mound and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took possession of 31.5 acres of the 85.5 acres having archaeological importance.
A senior official at the ASI on condition of anonymity said the history of Ther mound is 2,500year old that goes back to the time of famous Sanskrit grammarian Panini. “The upper section of the mound which was vacated by the local administration in 2017 has been occupied by poor families. Some property dealers befooled the families by selling land to them even as it belonged to the ASI. The lower portion of the mound has been encroached by the middle-class and the rich,” he added.
Recently, the local administration and ASI officials started a survey to identify the land and identification of the occupants for the rehabilitation purpose.
Vice-chairman of Ghar
Bachao Sangharsh Samiti Jagjeet Singh Gindu said, “It was in 1997 that the local administration identified 29 acres for excavation. Later, wrong facts were presented in the court and the total area was increased to 85.5 acres which affects more than 4,000 households and more than 25-30,000 people. The officials are also confused how to rehabilitate them all.” He said political leaders have been making false promises during elections to the settlers, but nothing concrete has come their way.
“Not even a single leader has tried to save our houses. Now, all the settlers are ready to fight for their rights,” Gindu added.
The local administration has to submit its survey report before the Punjab and Haryana high court on November 29. Sirsa deputy commissioner Ashok Garg said there was a meeting with deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala on Tuesday during which various points were discussed regarding the rehabilitation of the settlers.
A SURVEY TO IDENTIFY OCCUPIED LAND AND IDENTIFICATION OF SETTLERS FOR THE REHABILITATION DONE