In a significant escalation of its anti-encroachment drive, the district administration in Sambhal has shifted from demolition to imposing heavy financial penalties on structures illegally built on government and pond land. This move comes after the razing of at least 17 mosques and other structures in the region.
Hefty Fines for Years of Violations
On Thursday, Tehsildar Dhirendra Pratap Singh announced that penalties exceeding Rs 75 lakh have been levied against six properties, which notably include a mosque and a madrassa. This action follows recent demolition drives in the Asmoli area. The administration is now targeting violators with substantial fines for the long-term illegal occupation of public land.
Sambhal District Magistrate Rajendra Pensiya explained the rationale behind the strict measures. "Measures taken to impose the penalty will continue," he told TOI. "It is being imposed for years of encroachment and losses to the ecological system." He highlighted the critical environmental impact, noting that the water table in these blocks had been alarmingly depleted due to the constructions on water bodies.
Specific Penalties and Environmental Revival
The administration has detailed significant fines against various committees and individuals. The management of Madina Mosque was slapped with a fine of Rs 9 lakh. In a major penalty, a committee operating an illegal madrassa was charged a staggering Rs 51 lakh.
In Raya Buzurg, the Gosul Barra Mosque committee faced a Rs 6 lakh penalty for encroaching on pond land. A marriage hall operator in the area was fined Rs 6.4 lakh. Additionally, individuals who constructed private houses on protected land have been ordered to pay over Rs 1 lakh each.
DM Pensiya pointed to a positive outcome of the reclamation efforts: "In the past one year, we recovered dozens of ponds on which constructions were made. After reviving these water bodies, we're seeing a positive change." The focus is on ecological restoration alongside enforcement.
Strict Recovery Warnings and Ongoing Action
Authorities have issued a stern warning to those fined. They stated that "if the fines are not paid within the stipulated time frame, recovery certificates will be issued, potentially leading to property seizure or imprisonment." This underscores the seriousness of the crackdown.
The tehsildar confirmed that the action against such illegal structures is currently concentrated mainly in Salempur Salar (Hajipur) and Raya Buzurg villages. The administration's two-pronged strategy of demolition followed by severe financial penalties aims to serve as a strong deterrent against future encroachments on public and ecologically sensitive land.
