Daily Times

As many as 1,280 kanals of Nazul land of Revenue Department remains under illegal possession in the district, despite exaggerated claims of retrieval by the government, Daily Times has learnt. The newly elected PTI led Punjab government, in its massive drive against land grabbers and illegal occupants had retrieved at least 42,080 kanals worth Rs30 billion belonging to different departments in Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur and Nankana Sahib districts.

According to a document recently prepared by Revenue Department available with Daily Times, there is over 66,700 kanals of Nazul land located in six mauzas of Lahore worth of billions of rupees. As per details, Bella Basti Ram has 990 kanals, Shahdrah 20,473 kanals, Lahore Khas 6,040 kanals, Baghbanpura 8,653 kanals, Qila Gujjar Singh 4,734 kanals while Ichra mauza has 25,865 kanals of Nazul land.

In Bella Ram Basti mauza, out of 990 kanals at least 596 kanals have been allocated for welfare purpose, 147 is under possession of various departments, remaining state land is 247 kanals while three kanals have been allocated on lease. In this muaza, over 244 kanals have been illegally occupied by land grabbers.

Out of total 20,473 kanal Nazul land of mauza Shahdra, at least 1,624 kanals have been given for welfare purpose, 18,069 kanals have been allotted to different departments, remaining state land 779 kanals and six kanals have been leased out. In Shahdra over 488 kanals are lying vacant while 284 kanals are under illegal possession.

In mauza Lahore Khas, Revenue Department’s 30,27 kanals of nazul land have been allotted for welfare purpose, 2,600 kanals have been given to various departments, 412 kanals are remaining state land and 56 kanals have been on lease. 349 kanals are occupied illegally.

Baghbanpura mauza’s 1,925 kanals, 6,292 and 436 kanals have been given for welfare purpose, to various departments and to the state, respectively while at least 39 kanals lay vacant with 393 kanals under illegal possession of grabbers.

In addition, at least 773 kanals have been given for welfare purpose, 2,819 kanals to departments in Qila Gujjar Singh mauza. In this mauza, 1,141 kanals are remaining with state and 1,137 kanals on lease. Out of total land, four kanals are under possession of grabbers.

Out of total Nazul land in Ichra mauza, at least 6,372 kanals have been allotted for welfare purpose; various departments have 16,945 kanals while 2507 kanals remain with state. In Ichra, at least 2,502 kanals have been allotted on lease while three kanals are occupied by grabbers.

Published in Daily Times, January 22^nd 2019.