Berhampur: In an instance of land encroachment disrupting public welfare, a government plot adjacent to the Primary School in Lathi village under Kukudakhandi block of Ganjam district has been illegally occupied allegedly by an influential villager.
The state government had sanctioned Rs 7.5 lakh for the construction of a mid-day meal kitchen and an e-library for the school in the 2024-25. However, under the alleged influence of the local Sarpanch, a prominent villager unlawfully constructed a shop on the designated land, creating unrest and halting the proposed developmental activities, sources said.
Despite repeated appeals from villagers to the Sarpanch and Tehsildar, no action has so far been taken. Left unheard, the villagers approached the Sub-Collector on September 24 last year, and later submitted a formal grievance during the District Collector’s hearing on December 23.
Following these complaints, the then Tehsildar issued four notices to the encroacher, directing them via letter No. 1528 dated 31.01.2025 to vacate the land within 15 days. Although three months have since passed, the encroachment persists, with no action having been executed to reclaim the land.
In the meantime, a new Tehsildar had assumed office. The villagers once again raised the issue on April 17, drawing the attention of the new officer. Upon learning of the situation, the Tehsildar sought clarity from the Lathi RI (Revenue Inspector). Subsequently, the villagers appeared before the Sub-Collector during an independent hearing on Monday, urging swift intervention.
Authorities have now assured that all necessary procedures to reclaim the government land have been completed, and a resolution is expected shortly. Whether this promise translates into real action or becomes yet another bureaucratic delay remains to be seen.
