U’khand encroachers grabbed land worth Rs 400 cr: CAG

It has been learnt that despite facing the worst natural calamities, rampant illegal construction in the hill state is taking it towards another disaster, which could be even worse.

The findings, though in the preliminary stage, were revealed by the CAG. The final report is expected to be placed soon. After unearthing several scams, the national auditor has decided for a religious compliance of Uttarakhand to ascertain the current status of the state and find out how the government is prepared to deal with such crisis in future. In the past two years, private players have reportedly pumped in over Rs 300 crore to set up establishments by encroaching upon land along the riverbed and nearby areas, causing huge losses to the national exchequer in terms of land valuation. 

Though it is an ongoing process, it is expected that land worth Rs 400 crore has been encroached upon by developers or those associated with the tourism industry.

According to sources, the national auditor, concerned over reports on illegal development in the state - especially along the Bhagirathi river, has recently ordered for a compliance audit report. “The calamity in 2013 was a man-made disaster and it was waiting to happen again if action was not taken against illegal construction,” sources said.

CAG officials were asked to file a report on the current status of areas, where more than 4,500 people died and many are still missing following a cloudburst two years ago. According to sources, the preliminary compliance report claims that construction of guesthouses, hotels, shops and encroachment are still taking place along the riverbed and nearby areas. The land mafia, in connivance with local powerful people, is encouraging such activity to mint money.

The report further says that the local unit of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is ill-equipped to tackle such a calamity in future. Lack of protective gear, poor infrastructure, manpower issue, inferior quality of inflated boats and pending compensation of those who died have worsened the situation.

In December 2012, the Central government has re-declared the 100-km stretch along the Bhagirathi river from Gangotri to Uttarkashi an ‘eco-sensitive zone’. Under a clause, any development within the restricted area will be considered illegal.