Take strict action in benami land deal cases in HP: Virbhadra

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today directed the officials to take stringent action against those involved in 'benami land deals', illegal mining and drug trafficking.
Revenue officers must ensure all cases of benami land deals attract immediate attention and prompt action should be taken so that all such land are vacated and given to the government, he said while addressing a conference of Deputy Commissioners and district police chiefs.
Singh said section 118 of Tenancy and Land Reforms Act which bars non-Himachali agriculturists from purchasing land in the state should be implemented in letter and spirit.
All violations, especially 'benami land deals' should be effectively checked, the Chief Minister said and regretted that in some districts authorities only served notices but did not take any substantive action.

The Chief Minister also directed prosecution agencies to speed up trial in such cases and plug the loopholes and delays that facilitate acquittal of the accused.
On illegal mining in border areas, Singh directed police and district administration to take strictaction against the violators and step-up vigil.

Referring to drug trafficking, he said psychotropic drugs were coming in the state from border areas, mainly Una and Kangra districts, and if these are not checked the future of younger generation would be at peril.
The Chief minister told the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that the mandatory provision of providing employment to 70 per cent Himachalis in industrial units and hydropower projects was implemented strictly.

Two traffic police stations, equipped with small cranes, would be opened to smoothen vehicular movement, Singh said.
Twenty per cent of the fine recovered from traffic violations will be deposited with the Home Department which in turn would be given to SP, Shimla for maintenance of traffic lights, he added.