Laljit Singh Bhullar, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat in Punjab, took charge of an initiative to reclaim approximately 100 acres of Panchayati land in the village of Sundran in the Dera Bassi block. The minister personally operated a tractor to clear the land that was encroached upon illegally. After completing the eviction process, the cabinet minister revealed that the local residents had encroached upon nearly 100 acres of Panchayati land. He stated that the market value of this land is estimated to be around 100 crores INR.
The minister informed that the remaining 12 acres of land are currently under judicial custody, and instructions have been given to officials to actively pursue the case to reclaim the rights for the Panchayat. Bhullar highlighted the success of the ongoing campaign against encroachments on Panchayati land by the Rural Development and Panchayat Department. So far, approximately 12,000 acres of land illegally occupied by encroachers have been returned to the respective village Panchayats, enhancing local revenue streams and providing tenders to local residents.
Lallar emphasized that the drive against illegal encroachments on Panchayati land will continue until 100% of the land is reclaimed. He directed the officials of the Panchayat Department to regularly monitor and strengthen the claims of the department in court against illegal occupants. The minister cautioned officers that those collaborating with encroachers to maintain illegal possession would face strict action.Bhullar stated that reclaiming land from encroachers has not only helped restore Panchayat rights but has also contributed to generating revenue and resources for the Panchayats. He affirmed that the campaign against illegal encroachments on Panchayati land would persist, aligning with the vision of Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. The minister warned encroachers that if they attempt to reoccupy cleared land illegally, FIRs (First Information Reports) would be registered against them.
