The Punjab Government may soon take over parcels of land in the Nangal subdivision where ownership records have been missing for several years, as the administration struggles to execute key development projects due to the absence of crucial revenue documents.
Missing Records Stall Development
The move comes amid a controversy over the disappearance of revenue records of 14 villages in the Nangal subdivision, including Nikku Nangal, where the government now plans to construct a Judicial Court Complex. A public notice issued by the Tehsildar, Nangal, has informed residents that the land acquisition process for the proposed Judicial Court Complex is under way and that ownership records relating to Khasra numbers 401, 402, and 403 at Nikku Nangal village are not available. The notice has asked any person possessing ownership documents of the land to submit certified copies before June 6.
It further states that in the absence of objections or ownership records, the land may be declared government property under provisions of Section 42(3)(b) and Clause 4 of the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887.
Administration Struggles With Missing Records
Sources in the administration told The Tribune that the government had been facing increasing difficulties in carrying out developmental works because of the non-availability of original revenue records in several villages. Efforts were made over the past few years to reconstruct the missing records by engaging retired revenue officials and technical experts, but the exercise did not yield the desired results.
"The administration attempted reconstruction through retired revenue officers and modern survey techniques, but several gaps remained. Development projects continue to suffer because ownership of many parcels cannot be conclusively established," said a senior official on condition of anonymity.
The issue of missing records first came to light when revenue documents, including the crucial "latha" records of 14 villages, were found to be unavailable. These villages include Sehjowal, Meghpur, Manakour, Ajouli, Nikku Nangal, Nangali, Kalsera, Bandlehri, Dukli, Jol, Sagatpur, Kulgran, Bhatton, and Daroli.
Impact on Development Projects
The missing records have delayed land mutations, demarcations, and several government projects. Officials say the proposed Judicial Court Complex in Nangal is among the projects that remained stuck because suitable land could not be identified and acquired owing to incomplete ownership records.
Sources revealed that the local administration is considering bringing all land for which no revenue record is available into government ownership by invoking provisions of the Punjab Land Revenue Act. After such land is vested in the government, affected persons would be given an opportunity to produce documentary evidence and establish ownership claims.
"The idea is not to deprive genuine owners of their rights. Once the land is brought into government records, people will still have the opportunity to submit ownership documents and reclaim their legitimate holdings," a source said.
Encroachments and Planned Development
The sources further alleged that the absence of revenue records has encouraged encroachments on government land in parts of the Nangal area. Officials believe that restoring government control over disputed parcels could help prevent further encroachments and facilitate planned development activities.
When contacted, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said the government was under pressure from the judiciary to establish a court complex in Nangal and therefore immediate action had become necessary.
"The government is presently claiming only a limited parcel of land required for construction of the Judicial Court Complex. People who possess ownership documents should come forward and cooperate with officials in reconstructing the missing records. Development works cannot remain stalled indefinitely, and at the same time every rightful owner must get his due," Bains said.
