YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK

Yamunanagar Municipal Corporation has adopted a strict approach towards protecting its land and properties from illegal encroachments and unauthorised occupation. Municipal Corporation Commissioner Mahabir Prasad has directed officials to undertake demarcation of all land and properties falling under the jurisdiction of the corporation and ensure that their physical status is properly verified and documented.

The Commissioner directed the Assistant Town Planner (Land), concerned officials and patwaris to ensure demarcation of all Municipal Corporation land and properties. They have also been instructed to submit detailed reports along with the relevant site plans and records so that the exact status and location of every corporation property can be established.

Mahabir Prasad said land and properties belonging to the Municipal Corporation constitute public property, and their protection is one of the corporation’s primary responsibilities. He said the administration cannot afford to ignore the possibility of unauthorised occupation or encroachment on public land.

He directed the concerned officials to carry out the demarcation and inspection process carefully and identify any unauthorised occupation found on Municipal Corporation land. Wherever illegal encroachment or unauthorised occupation is detected, action will be taken for its removal in accordance with the applicable law.

The Commissioner said the exercise is not limited to maintaining records at the office level. It is equally important to establish the actual position of corporation properties on the ground. Physical demarcation will help the corporation compare the status of land at the site with official records, site plans and other relevant documents.

He said the complete exercise will help create a clearer record of Municipal Corporation properties and strengthen their protection against future encroachments. Accurate identification of boundaries and physical verification can also assist officials in detecting unauthorised occupation at an early stage.

Mahabir Prasad instructed the concerned officers and employees to personally monitor the demarcation process and ensure that the directions are implemented strictly. He said the exercise should be completed according to the prescribed procedure and without unnecessary delay.

The Commissioner made it clear that any instance of unauthorised occupation of Municipal Corporation land would be treated seriously. He also warned officials and employees that negligence in the demarcation and verification process would not be overlooked.

He said if unauthorised occupation is found on corporation land because of failure to conduct proper verification, negligence in demarcation or delay in taking necessary action, responsibility would be fixed on the concerned official or employee.

Disciplinary proceedings may also be initiated under the applicable service rules against those found responsible for negligence. The warning is intended to ensure accountability at every stage of the process and prevent situations in which public land is allowed to remain vulnerable because of administrative lapses.

The Commissioner emphasised that maintaining updated land records is essential for effective property management. However, accurate records alone are not sufficient. The corporation must also know the physical condition and status of its properties on the ground.

According to the directions, demarcation reports, site plans and relevant official records will be examined together to assess the position of Municipal Corporation properties. This integrated verification will help establish the location, boundaries and current status of corporation-owned land.

The exercise is also expected to strengthen the corporation’s ability to respond to future attempts at illegal occupation. Once land boundaries and ownership records are properly documented and verified, officials can more effectively identify unauthorised construction or encroachment.

Mahabir Prasad said protecting public land is a collective administrative responsibility, but officials directly associated with land records, demarcation and field verification have a particularly important role. He therefore instructed all concerned personnel to undertake their responsibilities with seriousness and ensure that no avoidable delay occurs.

The Commissioner also directed the concerned officials to maintain proper documentation of the demarcation exercise. Reports should be supported by relevant site plans and records so that the corporation has a clear documentary basis for taking further action wherever required.

He said the process should be carried out in a transparent and systematic manner. Any discrepancy between the official record and the physical position of a property should be properly examined and brought to the notice of the competent authority.

Where unauthorised occupation is detected, the corporation will take action under the applicable legal provisions. The objective, he said, is to ensure that Municipal Corporation land remains protected and is not allowed to become the subject of unauthorised occupation.

The Commissioner reiterated that the Municipal Corporation’s land belongs to the public and cannot be treated as private property. Protecting such land is necessary not only for preventing financial loss to the civic body but also for ensuring that public assets remain available for legitimate civic and community purposes.

The comprehensive demarcation exercise will also help the corporation strengthen its property management system. With accurate site information, updated records and regular monitoring, the civic body can better safeguard its assets and identify potential encroachment risks.

Mahabir Prasad directed all concerned officers to strictly comply with the instructions and complete the process with due diligence. He said no negligence would be accepted in matters concerning the protection of Municipal Corporation property.

The Commissioner further emphasised that accountability would be fixed wherever officials fail to discharge their responsibilities properly. Any negligence resulting in unauthorised occupation or failure to take timely action could lead to disciplinary proceedings under the applicable service rules.

The Municipal Corporation’s decision reflects a focus on protecting public assets through physical verification, accurate documentation and administrative accountability. The demarcation of all corporation-owned land and properties is expected to provide a clearer picture of the civic body’s assets and help strengthen measures against illegal encroachment.

Mahabir Prasad once again directed all concerned officials and employees to follow the instructions strictly and complete the demarcation process as prescribed. He said safeguarding Municipal Corporation land is a priority and that every necessary step would be taken to protect public property from unauthorised occupation.

POD/DESK