Bulldozer Action on Illegal Encroachments in Uttar Pradesh: Controversies and Directives

The Uttar Pradesh administration demolished illegal encroachments using bulldozers, sparking debates. Sub-district magistrate Prasun Kashyap emphasized the land belongs to the village society. Meanwhile, Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad and Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde commented on the usage of bulldozers against illegal constructions, especially those related to drugs.

The Uttar Pradesh administration carried out demolition of illegal encroachments in Mainpuri on Saturday using bulldozers. Sub-district magistrate Prasun Kashyap stated that the encroached land rightfully belonged to the village society.

'This land belonged to the village society and some people had illegally occupied it. Today bulldozer action has been taken,' Sub-district magistrate Prasun Kashyap confirmed. Earlier, Cabinet Minister Sanjay Nishad raised concerns over the use of bulldozers in the state, questioning the electoral consequences of such actions.

Nishad highlighted that while bulldozers serve as an effective deterrent against mafias, they could also displace impoverished individuals who've resided on the land for decades without official documentation, potentially alienating voters. He cited an instance from Jaunpur to illustrate his point where a woman's house was demolished following her complaint against a local official.

In another instance in June, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde directed officials in Thane and Mira-Bhyander to eradicate illegal drug-related constructions using bulldozers. This directive followed reports of drug usage among youths in Pune, prompting Shinde to order similar action in Pune city.

Shinde's orders have since led to substantive demolition activities in Pune, Thane, and Mira-Bhyander, targeting unauthorized constructions tied to the drug trade.

(With inputs from agencies.)