Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 11 Feb: In compliance to the directions of the Chief Minister, the Dehradun District administration has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregular sale of agricultural land by the Sheik Ul Hind Education Charitable Trust at Hariyawala, Dhaulas, in Dehradun. In this respect, District Magistrate (DM) Savin Bansal constituted a joint team under the leadership of ADM (Finance and Revenue) KK Mishra to conduct a detailed spot inspection and measurement of the land in question.
In this regard, ADM Mishra stated that the land had originally been allotted to the Trust for educational purposes. The administration is now examining whether the conditions and objectives stipulated at the time of allotment have been duly complied with and is also assessing the present status of the land. A joint team comprising officials from the Tehsil administration, Forest Department and Police Department has been undertaking an extensive measurement exercise and factual verification on the ground.
Preliminary findings have revealed that approximately 20 acres of agricultural land were sold by the Trust to 15 persons in large chunks. It has subsequently come to light that these buyers allegedly divided the land and further sold the land into smaller plots to 70 to 80 other persons. Significantly, earlier permission for sale of the land had reportedly been granted subject to the condition that the land would retain its agricultural character and would not be declared non-agricultural for the purpose of sale.
Mishra stated that once the detailed measurement report is received, appropriate action will be initiated under the relevant provisions of the UP Zamindari Act. The administration has indicated that strict legal measures will be taken in accordance with the findings of the inquiry.
It is pertinent to note that the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) had earlier taken firm action against illegal plotting in Dhaulas village at Hariyawala by demolishing unauthorised boundary walls, internal roads and related structures. The action was undertaken to remove illegal plotting and internal road development carried out without approved layout maps. The MDDA has also displayed notice boards in the Dhaulas area cautioning the public against investing in unauthorised plots and advising prospective buyers to obtain necessary information from the MDDA prior to purchasing land, failing which they would themselves be responsible for any consequences.
During the site inspection, ADM KK Mishra, SDM Vinod Kumar, SDO Abhishek Maithani, Tehsildar Vivek Rajouri, revenue officials of the Tehsil administration and officers of the Police Department were present.
