JAISALMER: In a major action against land encroachers and alleged land mafias, the Urban Improvement Trust (UIT), Jaisalmer, launched a large-scale anti-encroachment drive in the Amarsagar Bypass area and reclaimed government land worth more than Rs 100 crore.Acting on directions issued by Jaisalmer District Collector Anupama Jorwal, the UIT carried out a significant operation on Friday evening to free valuable government land from illegal occupation. Approximately 300 bighas of land were cleared during the drive.The reclaimed land, located along the newly constructed Jaisalmer Bypass Road connecting Barmer Road and Airport Circle, is estimated to have a market value exceeding ₹100 crore. The administration described the action as a major step against illegal encroachments and land grabbing activities.According to the UIT official, illegal occupations had gradually emerged on land recorded under Khasra Nos. 678 and 679 in Revenue Village Jaisalmer. Following the construction of the bypass road, land prices in the area increased substantially, making the region highly valuable. Taking advantage of this, several individuals allegedly erected temporary and permanent structures, boundary walls, and other constructions on UIT-owned land.Before initiating enforcement action, the UIT had issued notices, warnings, and opportunities for voluntary removal of the encroachments. However, when the illegal occupations were not removed, the administration proceeded with the demolition and eviction operation on Friday with the assistance of police and revenue officials.The administration also adopted a humanitarian approach during the drive. Families residing in permanent houses built on the encroached land were not immediately evicted. Instead, they were given two days to relocate their belongings and family members and voluntarily vacate the land. Further action will be taken after the expiry of the stipulated period, if necessary.As a result of the operation, nearly 300 bighas of land were freed from encroachment, securing a valuable public asset for the government. Officials made it clear that any future illegal occupation, encroachment, or unauthorized construction on UIT land would not be tolerated and that strict action would continue in accordance with the law.The operation was conducted under the leadership of UIT Secretary Sukharam Pindel. Other officials involved included Land Acquisition Officer Satyapal Khatri, Tehsildar Gega Ram Meena, Executive Engineer Kamlesh Mangal, Assistant Engineer Ashok Chauhan, along with revenue and technical department personnel and local patwaris. Police authorities also provided security and logistical support during the operation.District Collector Anupama Jorwal stated that her office had been receiving complaints for a considerable period regarding illegal occupations on valuable UIT land. In response, she directed the UIT Secretary to initiate action and remove encroachments from government-owned properties.Following the operation, the Urban Improvement Trust appealed to the public to refrain from encroaching upon government or UIT land and to avoid unauthorized construction. The agency also advised prospective buyers to thoroughly verify land ownership records, legal status, and official documentation before purchasing property to avoid future legal or administrative complications.
