Encroachers get stern warning

The revenue officials of Mysore district have been directed to initiate stern action against encroachers of government lands, and evict them, if needed, with police help.

According to Mysore deputy commissioner Harsh Gupta, instances of land encroachments, both in Mysore city and district, have come to the notice of the government.

He has warned the illegal occupants of government sites or lands or those who support such encroachments, directly or indirectly, would face criminal action. In such cases, the offenders will suffer a minimum of three years of imprisonment and fine, both, according to legal provisions. Even those who back such illegal occupation will face similar punishment.

Pointing out that protection of government lands was the responsibility of the Revenue Department officials, he said the law covered those officials who cover up instances of illegal occupation of government lands. They will also have to face criminal action, the deputy commissioner warned while presiding over the Illegal Encroachments Prevention Task Force meeting.

He has directed officials to immediately act against top 10 encroachers in the initial stage and restore the lands to the government. He has also asked them to take criminal action against those who come in the way of such an action.

He said, whether the lands belonged to the government, zilla or taluk panchayats or any other department, action should be taken to take back such lands from encroachers under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act.

Gupta has also asked the officials to send a monthly report to him on the instances of illegal occupation of government lands in the district furnishing all details.