Illegal occupation of government pit in Lalganj, questions raised on silence of administration; Controversy increased amid strict laws of the Center

Settlement. Keeping in mind the orders of the Chief Minister, the District Officer of Basti district should take strict action against those encroaching on government land. In all the tehsils of the district, the occupation of government land by the powerful land mafia continues and the responsible officer should immediately take cognizance of the matter and register an FIR. The latest case of illegal occupation of government submerged land (pit) in Kataijot Purva of Gram Sabha Mehnauna of Lalganj police station area of ​​Basti is taking a serious form.

The villagers have raised questions on the inaction of the administration, accusing the village head and the secretary of collusion. He says that despite repeated complaints, no concrete action has been taken till now, due to which the resentment among the local people is increasing. According to the villagers, the area of ​​pit number 25 recorded in the records is about 81 ayr, but at present it has reduced to just 15 to 20 ayr. It is alleged that some people took possession of this land by pouring soil and also made permanent construction. When the villagers protested, they faced threats and disputes, which has made the matter more tense.

Most importantly, this pond is the main source of natural drainage for the entire Kataijot village. Despite this, construction was done here without any valid permission, which is said to be against the rules. Villagers say that permission from the Sub-Collector is mandatory for construction on any government land, but here this process was completely ignored.

According to government rules and Supreme Court directions, any kind of private occupation of village community land – such as ponds, ponds, drains and pastures – is completely prohibited. Despite this, the emergence of such cases raises serious questions on the functioning of the local administration.

Meanwhile, the Central Government has taken steps towards implementing strict provisions against illegal occupation of government lands. Under the Public Trust (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, a provision has been made to impose heavy fines and punishment up to jail on illegal encroachers. According to the proposal, the penalty for possession will be fixed at up to 40 times the fine in the first month and increased by 10 per cent every month thereafter. Besides, the culprits can also be punished with imprisonment up to six months or financial penalty according to the value of the land.

Despite such strict laws, this case of Lalganj seems to expose the apathy of the administration. The villagers have demanded that Gadhi be immediately freed from possession and this entire incident should be investigated impartially and strict action should be taken against the culprits. They have warned that if action is not taken soon, they will be forced to take the path of agitation by complaining to higher authorities. Regarding the above problem, the villagers have repeatedly demanded the administration to remove the illegal encroachment, but till now no action has been taken on it.