JAIPUR: Residents of Lal Dungri find themselves in the middle of an escalating dispute between the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and the Jaipur Municipal Corporation-Heritage (JMC-H). The contention arises from a colony originally established by the JDA, while JMC-H is now issuing demolition notices to multiple dilapidated structures.
The situation has sharply declined near Ganeshpuri Basti, where annual soil erosion causes the lower part of a mound to collapse. The illegal activities of land mafia excavating the mound have destabilized the foundations of homes above, leaving some walls precariously suspended.
Specifically, behind Meena Petrol Pump near Galta Gate, unauthorized land mafia continue to cut into government land. Investigations have indicated that while the mafia hold land deeds for plot numbers 513 and 514, where the colony exists, the unlawful excavation is occurring on plot number 521/1.
Local resident Tikram Loher stated, “When we raised our concerns with the JDA, they requested our property documents, despite us having land titles over 30 years old. When officials from JMC-H issued notices, we informed them this is a JDA colony and appealed against their actions. However, they deemed our homes unsafe and served us seven-day eviction notices.”
Naresh Nagar, the councillor for Ward 84, commented, “Authorities are taking inadequate action. On Tuesday, locals approached the JDA and were assured that illegal excavation would be halted and investigated. Yet, even now, JCB machines continue their work. The main issue lies with the land mafia, not the residents. The focus should be on stopping these illegal activities rather than uprooting vulnerable families.”
JDA Zone 10 enforcement officer Bharat Singh Rathore remarked, “We have received complaints and are preparing to secure the area. The case file has been submitted for further action.”
JMC-H Adarsh Nagar zone deputy commissioner Yugantar Sharma noted, “It is imperative to address these unsafe structures. We have also communicated with the JDA regarding this matter. If they wish to proceed with action, we will cooperate; otherwise, we will have to demolish these 18 homes following the seven-day notice period.”
Residents are growing increasingly anxious about the prospect of losing their homes, while their calls for action against the illegal land mafia remain ignored.
