Jamshedpur: Encroachment on government land in the Khasmahal area of Parsudih has once again intensified, raising serious questions over the effectiveness of administrative action. Ahead of the recent visit of the President to the city, the district administration had carried out a drive to remove illegal roadside encroachments. However, barely five days after the presidential programme concluded, the encroachments have reappeared at several locations.
According to local residents, government land near Kundu House in Khasmahal has been encroached upon again, and the official information board installed at the site has been damaged. This, residents say, reflects the growing audacity of encroachers and the lack of fear of authorities.
A similar situation has emerged near the Sadar Hospital. Barbed wire fencing had earlier been installed to prevent encroachment on government land in front of the hospital’s main gate. However, the fencing on land adjacent to the petrol pump near the hospital has reportedly been cut, and illegal occupation has resumed. A hotel has also started operating on the encroached land.
Encroachment has also been reported near the Parsudih police station, where shops have come up on government land, causing surprise and concern among local people. In another instance, a private school operator attempted to occupy public land near Golpahari in Khasmahal. Though the attempt was thwarted following protests by residents, encroachments that were earlier removed along the Golpahari–Karandih stretch have reportedly been re-established.
What has alarmed residents the most is the apparent inaction of the Circle Officer’s office and the Parsudih police station. Despite repeated complaints, no concrete steps have been taken. Locals fear that the continued silence of the authorities is encouraging encroachers to operate businesses openly on government land.
