Book land grabbers in PD Act: Telangana CM

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has directed the officials to take tough action against the land grabbers who have encroached upon government lands in Hyderabad and its outskirts.

The Chief Minister issued these directions while addressing a high-level review meeting at the State Secretariat on Thursday. He said that all land grabbers should be booked under the Prevention of Dangerous Activities Act (PD Act) irrespective of their position and party affiliation. He directed the officials not to spare any land grabber even if he belonged to the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi. Stating that lands worth crores of rupees were under illegal occupation in Hyderabad, he directed the officials to begin action against the land grabbers on immediate basis.

The Chief Minister said that all encroachments on government lands, nalas, tanks and other places should be removed on immediate basis. However, he said some migrant labourers and poor people have constructed their huts on government lands and nalas. He said that the government would consider issuing them pattas or rehabilitate them at other places. He said while government would consider rehabilitation of poor people who have occupied government lands, the professional land grabbers would not be spared.

KCR said that the land grabbers have encroached upon the government lands using fake stamps, stamp papers and certificates. He said thousands of such cases are pending in various courts. While directed officials to expedite the disposal of such cases, he wanted the officials to act tough against those who are staking fake claims on government lands. He alleged that the previous government ignored and even promoted the land grabbers. Due to this, the situation has turned so worse that there is land available for the government to construct its own offices. He said exemplary action should be taken against the encroachers. The individuals who have constructed houses on the government lands should seek regularisation. Else, tough action should be taken against them, he said. 

The Chief Minister also announced constitution of a committee led by Chief Secretary Dr Rajiv Sharma and comprising officials of Revenue and Hyderabad District Collectorate to study the status of government lands. The Committee will conduct a meeting on December 9 to student the extent of government lands in Hyderabad, encroachments, cases and illegal constructions. He also directed the committee to suggest new laws to prevent encroachment on government lands. He said that the government would issue an ordinance to protect its lands in the city. He also asked officials to suggest revision of Building Regularisation Scheme and Lay Out Regularisation Rules.

KCR also directed the officials to construct 50 night shelters for the migrant workers and those living on streets.

The review meeting was attended by Finance Minister Etala Rajender, Chief Secretary Dr Rajiv Sharma, CMO Secretary Narsing Rao, Hyderabad Collector Meena, Ranga Reddy District Collector Sridhar, Joint Collectors, RDOs and other officials.