22.90 acres of prime government land in Nandai, allotted for leprosy treatment and rehabilitation, taken back by Chhattisgarh Government; commercial misuse and serious violations of lease conditions exposed
- • Lease cancelled with immediate effect following a detailed administrative inquiry
- • Land allegedly handed over to another institution without government approval and used for commercial activities
- • Fish pond, agricultural land, buildings and quarters reportedly leased out to private parties for financial gain
- • Tehsildar directed to take physical possession of the entire land within seven days
Published on: November 06, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Collector Jitendra Yadav has once again demonstrated his firm administrative approach by taking decisive action in a major case involving the alleged misuse of government land. In what could emerge as one of the significant landreclamation actions in the state, the district administration has cancelled the lease of 22.90 acres of prime government land located in Nandai village of Rajnandgaon district.
The land, originally allotted to an institution for the free treatment and rehabilitation of leprosy patients, has now been restored to the ownership and possession of the Chhattisgarh Government following findings of serious violations of lease conditions and commercial exploitation of the property.
The district administration issued a detailed order cancelling the lease deed with immediate effect after examining official records and conducting an extensive inquiry.
LAND ALLOTTED FOR PATIENT WELFARE, BUT USED FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES
The investigation revealed that the land was originally allotted for the specific purpose of providing free medical treatment and rehabilitation to leprosy patients. However, instead of being utilised for the stipulated welfare activities, the vast 22.90-acre premises were allegedly being used for various commercial purposes.
The inquiry further established that an institution other than the original leaseholder was found in possession of the property. The institution concerned was registered in 1993. As per the lease conditions, transferring the land or handing over its possession to another institution without prior approval from the competent authority was prohibited.
Despite these restrictions, the premises were allegedly transferred and commercially exploited in violation of the lease agreement. The administration also found evidence indicating that unauthorised financial benefits were being generated in the name of patient treatment.
ONLY THREE PATIENTS FOUND UNDER TREATMENT ON AVERAGE
One of the significant findings of the inquiry relates to the actual number of patients receiving treatment at the institution.
According to the institution’s Chartered Accountant audit report for the financial year 2024-25, an average of only three patients were found to be under treatment during the year. This raised serious questions about the utilisation of the 22.90-acre government property, which had been allotted specifically for the welfare and rehabilitation of leprosy patients.
The institution reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the treatment facilities and activities being conducted on the premises.
The inquiry also revealed that the property had allegedly been occupied and portions of it made available to private individuals through contractual and rental arrangements. Information regarding these activities had reportedly not been submitted to the competent authorities for nearly 43 years.
FISH POND, AGRICULTURAL LAND AND BUILDINGS PUT TO COMMERCIAL USE
The administrative inquiry brought several additional irregularities to light.
Approximately 1.50 acres of land within the premises, including a pond, had reportedly been leased out for fish farming. Agricultural land was allegedly given to private farmers on a lease basis, while permanent buildings and residential quarters were made available to other individuals through rental agreements.
The district administration considered these activities unauthorised commercial exploitation of government property and a serious violation of the original purpose of land allotment and the prescribed lease conditions.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORT BECOMES BASIS FOR ACTION
The report submitted by the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) also played an important role in the administrative decision.
According to the report, the government is currently providing free medicines and medical facilities to leprosy patients under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme through door-to-door outreach and government hospitals.
In view of the existing government healthcare arrangements, the continued necessity of the institution in its present form was not established.
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After examining the findings and available official records, the district administration initiated proceedings under the provisions of the Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code, 1959, and its administrative powers.
The direct violation of Lease Conditions No. 1 and 2, unauthorised change of institutional control, transfer of possession without permission and commercial utilisation of the property formed the basis for cancellation of the lease.
SEVEN-DAY DEADLINE FOR PHYSICAL POSSESSION
In its order, the district administration has directed the Tehsildar, Rajnandgaon, to remove the institution’s name from the relevant government land records and record the Chhattisgarh Government as the rightful holder.
The Tehsildar has also been instructed to obtain physical possession of the entire 22.90-acre property within seven days.
Additionally, the Chief Medical and Health Officer has been directed to ensure that if any leprosy patient is currently undergoing treatment at the premises, appropriate arrangements are made for safe relocation, food, accommodation and uninterrupted free medical care.
The administration has made it clear that the welfare and medical needs of any existing patients must not be compromised during the process of taking possession.
₹100-CRORE (approximate) PROPERTY REMAINS TALK OF THE TOWN EVEN AMID DHANTERAS RUSH
Even as Rajnandgaon witnessed the usual rush of shoppers and festive activity on the occasion of Dhanteras, the cancellation of the lease of this 22.90-acre government property remained one of the most discussed issues across the city.
Situated in a prime area of the city, the land is estimated to have a market value exceeding ₹100 crore(approximate). Its alleged misuse, the leasing out of the pond and concerns over the cutting of green trees had earlier triggered public protests and citizens’ movements.
For a long time, local residents had raised questions over the utilisation and control of this valuable government property.
The Collector’s latest decision has therefore attracted considerable public attention. The move is being viewed as a significant administrative intervention aimed at reclaiming valuable public land and ensuring that government property is used strictly for the purpose for which it was originally allotted.
The action has also brought renewed focus on accountability in the utilisation of government land and enforcement of lease conditions.
