Imphal: Imphal West deputy commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar Singh has warned that those who continue to encroach on public land for personal benefit will soon face strong legal action.
People occupying government land without permission has become like a “disease” spreading across Manipur, the deputy commissioner said.
Rajkumar made his statement during a survey at Thangal Bazaar and Paona Bazaar on Wednesday.
The aim of the survey was to check how much government land has been illegally occupied. The survey team included officials from MAHUD, Town Planning, the district administration, and Manipur Police.
Rajkumar expressed unhappiness after seeing footpaths, drains, narrow lanes, and even overhead spaces being taken over by private individuals and shops. “This is not just happening in Imphal city, but also in many other parts of the state.”
“This habit has become a disease. It is spreading. People must stop doing it before we take strict legal steps,” Rajkumar told reporters during the inspection.
Earlier on July 31, the district administration had issued a public notice asking all people and shop owners to remove illegal extensions, including rooftops, balcony-like projections, building materials, and waste along the footpaths and roads of Thangal and Paona Bazaars.
Rajkumar also shared that a narrow lane (gali) shown clearly in a 1991 map was found completely blocked due to illegal construction.
“Today’s survey is to check how much illegal encroachment has taken place. Soon, we will take legal action against the violators,” he said.
Similar eviction drives will be carried out in other areas of Imphal West, just like what was recently done in Porompat area of Imphal East, he added.
The district administration has asked the public to cooperate and remove any illegal construction from government land to avoid facing fines or forced removal. “The goal of the drive is to keep public spaces open, safe, and useful for everyone.”
