Curation Team
JAIPUR: Residents of Lal Dungri are caught in a growing conflict between the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) and Jaipur Municipal Corporation-Heritage (JMC-H). The issue stems from a colony established by JDA, while JMC-H is now issuing demolition notices to several dilapidated homes.
The situation has worsened near Ganeshpuri Basti, where the lower part of a mound sinks every year due to soil erosion. Illegal excavation of the mound by land mafia has weakened foundations of homes in the upper area, leaving some walls hanging precariously in the air.
Specifically, behind Meena Petrol Pump near Galta Gate, land mafia have been continuously cutting through the mound on govt land. Investigation has revealed that while the mafia possess land deeds for plot numbers 513 and 514, where the colony is already established, the illegal cutting is happening on plot number 521/1.
Local resident Tikram Loher said, “When we complained to JDA, they started asking us for our property documents, even though we hold land titles that are over 30 years old. When officials from JMC-H arrived to serve notices, we told them this is JDA’s colony and requested them not to take action, yet they declared our homes dilapidated and served us seven-day eviction notices.”
Naresh Nagar, councillor of Ward 84, said, “No proper action is being taken by the authorities. On Tuesday, local people approached JDA, where they were told the illegal cutting would be stopped and investigated. But even today, JCB machines continue to carry out illegal excavation. The real problem lies with the land mafia, not the residents. The priority must be to stop this illegal excavation rather than displacing poor families.”
JDA Zone 10 enforcement officer Bharat Singh Rathore said, “We have received complaints and are preparing to cordon off the area. The case file has been forwarded for further action.”
JMC-H Adarsh Nagar zone deputy commissioner Yugantar Sharma stated, “It is necessary to remove these unsafe buildings. We have also written to JDA about this. If they want to proceed, we will cooperate, but if no response is received, we will have no choice but to demolish these 18 homes after the seven-day notice period.”
Residents fear becoming homeless while their demand for action against the illegal land mafia remains unheeded.
