Bettiah/Patna: Authorities in Bettiah have initiated a large-scale survey of alleged encroachments on land belonging to Bettiah Raj, with plans underway for an anti-encroachment drive in the ITI locality.
Officials said six teams of revenue surveyors (amins) have been deployed over the past four days to measure the land under the supervision of the revenue officer. Around 250 houses have so far been identified as encroachments.
According to officials, those identified will be served notices asking them to vacate the land. If they fail to comply, demolition of structures is likely to follow.
The drive is expected to extend beyond the ITI locality to nearby areas, including Lalu Nagar, where similar encroachments are suspected.
Sources said large portions of Bettiah Raj land in the area have been occupied over time, with permanent houses constructed on the plots. Authorities also plan to install signboards on vacant land warning that encroachment is a punishable offence.
The issue has drawn attention due to reports that the list of alleged encroachers includes several influential individuals, including retired officials and local representatives.
Officials acknowledged that earlier anti-encroachment drives had been carried out in some areas, but lack of sustained monitoring led to reoccupation of the land.
Questions have also been raised over how civic amenities such as roads, water supply and electricity were extended to these settlements. Local residents have alleged that encroachments were facilitated through collusion with officials, enabling occupants to access government services despite irregular land status.
Authorities said further action will be taken following completion of the survey and issuance of notices.
