300 acres encroached upon in Moga, MC turns blind eye

HUGE LOSSES Estimates put the value of the encroached upon land at around ₹2,000 crore

OFFICIALS HAVE ALSO FAILED TO FORMULATE PROPOSAL OR PLAN TO ENSURE THAT IT CAN EARN SOME REVENUE FROM THIS LAND

FARIDKOT:Moga municipal corporation has been sitting on a gold mine of 300 acres of prime land in 16 localities, according to revenue records, but has allowed possession to pass on to members of the public in an illegal manner. Estimates put the value of the encroached upon land at around ₹2,000 crore, money that the civic body could use to fund development.

A large part of the encroached land is in the Old Grain Market (Walterganj) and common areas of Landeke and Duneke villages — all within the MC limits. The issue has come to the fore through information sought by RTI activist, Suresh Sood.

Revenue record shows that even as 32 acres in the Old Grain Market was registered in the name of Municipal Corporation in 1969-70 (the then municipal committee), officials have failed to take possession or strike a settlement deal with people who now claim to be the owners.

Information under the RTI has also revealed that in Landeke and Duneke villages, 135 acres of common land is again being used by villagers, even as the land belongs to the Moga MC.

Over the years, commercial construction has sprung up on the land and full-fledged businesses are being run, yet the civic body has not earned a rupee. Officials have also failed to formulate proposals or a plan to ensure that it can earn some revenue from these properties.

Municipal commissioner Jagwinderjit Singh said, “The consolidation process for land was started in the Walterganj area, but not completed. I need to check facts on common land of Landke and Duneke villages.”