‘Encroachment on govt land? File FIR’ Revenue Dept Directs All Public Land Custodians

Mumbai: Taking a grim view of the increasing encroachment on government land, the revenue department has directed all state bodies that are custodians of public land to file a first information report (FIR) with the local police. The department, in a circular, said that there is a lackadaisical approach to encroachment on government land; in fact, state officials themselves try to protect encroachments.      Swadheen Kshatriya, additional chief secretary, revenue and forests, said the state receives several complaints from elected representatives and public. "We have, therefore, drawn the attention of all state departments to our circular of September 2010 for action to be taken against encroachments on public land," he said.      Utsal Karani, secretary of the Janhit Manch, said the government lacked the machinery to implement its laws and circulars. "It is a good thing, but first they must take citizens' complaints on encroachment seriously and then provide manpower to implement them."      The department has directed all custodians of public land to map the areas owned by the government and other self-government bodies, and display them in the revenue and local self-government offices. The notification said, "If any encroachment is found on government land, then the department responsible for it must file an FIR with the police. If there are attempts to pass the buck, the senior officer in charge must fix responsibility and initiate action," said the notification.      Kshatriya said an FIR should be used as a last resort, instead officials should ensure there are no encroachments. Also, while filing an FIR, officials must keep in mind policies regularizing slums up to January 1, 1995. The slums on land for vital projects, such as Dharavi and airport, are protected up to January 1, 2000, while those on grazing land are protected up to 1994.