Directing the authorities concerned to take stern action against elements involved in encroachments on government properties, Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah on Monday ordered the revenue staff to acquire services of Rangers if necessary to take prompt action against land grabbers.
He was presiding over a meeting to discuss the issues pertaining to the removal of encroachments on government lands in the province.
“All government lands and properties under illegal occupation should be vacated immediately as per the Anti-Encroachment Law passed by the provincial government under the special powers conferred on officers and the formation of special courts,” Shah said at the meeting.
Encroachment of government property is a sensitive and an important issue that sometimes creates a law and order situation and agitation by some influential elements, he stated.
The chief minister directed the authorities concerned that after verification of revenue records, stern operation should be launched against the anti-social elements involved in illegal occupation of government lands. “The revenue staff and police will take prompt action and if necessary, the services of Rangers will also be obtained.”
Shah was of the view that government lands are people’s property and it will need an effort of courage, law and principled stand for launching the anti-encroachment operation with full force.
It was informed at the meeting that more than 50,000 acres of precious land is under illegal, fraudulent occupation and many land grabbers have encroached on the lands by force. “About 4,000 acres of occupied government land has been freed from illegal possession and 132 persons encroachers arrested.”
Pointing out construction of walls on both sides of Super Highway with some booking offices also established illegally, the chief minister further directed that a thorough survey and assessment of land revenue records be undertaken.
He asked the authorities to demolish all illegal structures and in case any staff member or an employee of Revenue or Police departments is involved, action should be taken against him and cases lodged against encroachers.
“President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani have directed that land/plots [recovered] will be provided to poor and shelter-less people.”
It was decided in the meeting that Anti-Encroachment Cell be provided additional police personnel while in case of special campaigns, the cell will be provided full force on demand.
The meeting was attended by Sindh Revenue Minister Jam Mehtab Dahar, Irrigation Minister Jam Saifullah Dharejo, Information Minister Shajeel Inam Memon, Chief Secretary Raja Muhammad Abbas, Inspector General of Police Wajid Ali Durrani, Board of Revenue (BoR)’s Senior Member Shahzar Shamoon, Irrigation Secretary Khalid Haider Memon, Law Secretary Ghulam Nabi Shah, Secretary to Chief Minister Alamuddin Bullo, Special Secretary to Chief Minister Dr Atta Muhammad Panhwar and a BoR Land Utilisation member among others.
Encroachment problems… who do you call? Rangers
