Former councillor Hemant Ostwal welcomes bulldozer action but says demolition alone is not enough
Published on: January 04, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Welcoming the recent bulldozer action carried out by the district administration against long-running illegal plotting in the Parrikala area, former councillor and social activist Hemant Ostwal has termed the move necessary in public and administrative interest. However, he asserted that mere demolition of illegal structures is insufficient and called for strict legal action against the entire illegal plotting network.
In a letter addressed to District Collector Jitendra Yadav, Ostwal has demanded the immediate registration of FIRs against landowners, land mafia, and alleged colonisers involved in illegal plotting in the Parrikala area. He stressed that without criminal action, such activities are bound to resurface.
Five-Acre Illegal Colony Along National Highway
Ostwal pointed out that nearly five acres of land adjacent to the Raipur Naka National Highway in the Parrikala area, along with government land in the Lakholee region, had been encroached upon. Roads, drainage systems, and residential colonies were allegedly developed illegally. The demolition carried out on the Collector’s directions, he said, reflects the administration’s firm intent.
Illegal Plotting on Specific Khasra Numbers
In his letter, Ostwal listed several khasra numbers where illegal colonies were being planned and developed. These include Khasra Nos. 361/10, 361/9, 361/12, 361/13, 361/28, 361/14, 361/27, 361/23, 361/24, 361/16, 361/17, and 361/18.
Role of Revenue Officials Under Scanner
Ostwal has demanded an impartial investigation into the role of the SDM office, tehsildar office, revenue department, patwaris, revenue inspectors (RI), and other concerned officials and employees. He alleged that illegal plotting on such a large scale is impossible without administrative protection.
Agricultural Land or Legally Diverted? Licence Status Questioned
He further demanded a detailed inquiry into whether the land parcels used for plotting were agricultural in nature or legally diverted for non-agricultural use. Additionally, he sought clarity on whose name the coloniser licence was issued, whether statutory permissions for colony development were obtained, and if development norms were followed.
Allegation of Suppressed Inquiry Report
Making serious allegations, Ostwal claimed that around two years ago, a probe report on illegal plotting submitted by Patwari Halka No. 58 of Gram Parrikala to the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue) was deliberately suppressed by certain officials. He has demanded the formation of a departmental inquiry committee to investigate the matter and submit findings within a fixed timeframe.
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Immediate Ban on Sale and Purchase of Land
The former councillor also urged the administration to impose an immediate ban on the sale and purchase of land falling under the disputed khasra numbers until the investigation is completed. He called for clear instructions to be issued to the sub-registrar office in this regard.
Demand to Probe Other Illegal Colonies in the City
Ostwal said the same landowners may have carried out illegal plotting in other parts of Rajnandgaon city and within municipal limits. He demanded a comprehensive review of notices issued by various departments and the action taken against such violations.
Warning Against Inaction
Warning the administration, Ostwal said that if strict action is not taken now, land mafia and illegal colonisers will operate with impunity, weakening both honest citizens and the administrative system—an outcome he described as detrimental to governance and public interest.
