Chandigarh, 2nd July,2024 - The UT Administration has started a comprehensive survey to identify and address the encroachment of government lands by unauthorized occupants. Deputy Commissioner cum Estate Officer UT Chandigarh, Mr. Vinay Pratap Singh, announced that the Administration is operating in mission mode, utilizing advanced technologies and satellite imagery in collaboration with Revenue authorities to pinpoint illegal encroachments year by year. The Estate Office is leveraging GIS technology to detect and track the progressive encroachment on government lands. Sh.Vinay Pratap Singh emphasized the critical importance of land in a planned city like Chandigarh, highlighting the detrimental effects of illegal occupation, including unplanned urban growth and significant financial losses due to high land prices. A robust stance is being taken against encroachers. Deputy commissioner cited the recent action against the Furniture Market, where approximately 10-12 acres of land, valued at over Rs 1500 Cr, had been encroached upon for the past 30 years. On the last Sunday, nearly 2 acres of this land, worth more than Rs 200 Cr, were reclaimed from illegal occupants. The Chandigarh Administration is currently examining replies from the occupants, with the Land Acquisition Officer overseeing the matter for a prompt resolution. Deputy commissioner cum Estate officer also highlighted the UT Administration's comprehensive policy for rehabilitating eligible illegal occupants under the Small Flats Scheme. Over 18,000 individuals have been provided with Rehabilitation Flats in various colonies. In 2022, the demolition of Colony No. 4 resulted in the recovery of 40 acres of land. Despite a stay from the Hon'ble Punjab & Haryana High Court hindering further demolitions in other notified colonies, the UT Administration has approached the Court to vacate the stay and expedite the clearance of CWPs, aiming to reclaim valuable government land.