Question : ENCROACHMENTS ON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT`S LAND IN DELHI

(a) whether it is a fact that some influential persons encroach the Government land by way of getting jhuggi clusters on the Central Government`s land especially in Delhi and after some years pressurise the Government to allot flats or plots in lieu of those encroached land;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether in a judgement recently the Delhi High Court ordered that it is not mandatory for the Government to allot lands to the jhuggi people who are being evicted from the Government lands;

(d) if so, whether the Government have taken any strict action against such persons and to protect the Government`s land from encroachment; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT & POVERTY ALLEVIATION ( SHRI PON RADHAKRISHNAN )

(a)&(b): Delhi being a modern megapolis with excellent social and economic infrastructure attracts large number of people in search of gainful employment with consequential pressure on land and the comming up of jhuggies. As per the existing policy, eligible jhuggi dwellers squatting prior to 31.12.1998 are provided relocation benefits.

(c): Delhi High Court, in its order dated 29.11.2002 passed in CWPs No. 4441/94 and 2112/2002, has set aside the relocation policy of the Government. The Ministry has filed a SLP in the Supreme Court against the High Court order. Hon`ble Supreme Court through interim orders of 19.2.2003 and 3.3.2003 has allowed the Government to proceed with the relocation policy and make allotment of land while clearly specifying that such allotment would be subject to the result of the petitions.

(d)&(e): The Government has been impressing upon, from time to time, all land owning agencies to keep their lands free from encroachments.