Land mafia spreads tentacles to Rohtak district

Despite the district administration’s efforts to crack down on unauthorised colonies, the land mafia continues to actively carve out illegal residential plots and colonies in Rohtak district, employing deceptive tactics to exploit unsuspecting buyers.

The authorities have identified 86 unauthorised colonies across the district and are taking steps to curb this growing problem. Over the past few months, a considerable number of illegal constructions in controlled and urban areas have been razed. On Tuesday, two illegal colonies spanning over 5 acres at Makrauli Khurd village were demolished. During the operation, the authorities razed six foundations, removed streetlights, interlocking tiles, and two under-construction structures. The electricity department also disconnected the meters.

“The main reason behind the flourishing of unauthorised colonies is the high property rates in the city, which provide good returns to property dealers in a short span. Due to the soaring demand for affordable land and housing, dealers capitalise on the situation by purchasing large plots at lower prices in areas on the outskirts or near developed colonies,” said a property dealer.

He explained that the dealers carved out smaller residential plots and sold them at higher rates. Unauthorised colonies continued to thrive in the district as people preferred to invest in land for the long term, knowing that the colonies would be legalised by the government in future, allowing them to sell the property on profit, he added.

Taking the easy route

Another real estate professional pointed out that the complex and time-consuming process to obtain approval from the government to carve out residential colonies, along with the huge investment required to develop them according to official norms, forced small property dealers to adopt the relatively easy route of creating unauthorised colonies.

“Many buyers, attracted by the prospect of rising land prices, invest in these colonies knowing the risks. More than 80 per cent of the buyers are investing in these plots with the expectation that the rates will rise in the future," he added.

Social activist Deepak Rathee remarked that despite strict measures, people often managed to construct illegal structures, and even obtain electricity and water connections in unapproved colonies. "This clearly indicates some lapses on the part of the district authorities. More stringent action is needed to address this illegal practice in the district," he added.

Warning to residents

Deputy Commissioner Dhirendra Khadgata has warned residents not to invest their hard-earned savings in such colonies. “Refrain from buying or selling plots in the 86 unauthorised colonies identified by the district administration in various revenue estates. The demolition drive against illegal colonies and constructions will continue,” he said.

He said the land mafia had publicly circulated a map showing illegal plotting on the land near Peer Bodhi, owned by the Waqf Board, and located along the Gohana road.

“These plots are being sold to the public under false promises. The District Town Planner has filed a formal complaint with the police. The colony being developed on the land is illegal, and as per the Development Plan-2031, the area falls under a natural conservation zone. Strict action will be taken against any construction activity here,” the DC stated.