Ambikapur Administration Demolishes Encroachment Near Resort

Government Land Cleared After Deadline Ends

The Sarguja district administration carried out a major anti-encroachment drive in Ambikapur on Monday morning, demolishing unauthorized structures built on government land near Kamoda Bihar Resort. Officials said the action was taken after resort operators failed to remove the encroachment despite being given a two-day deadline.

Heavy machinery, along with administrative officials and police personnel, reached the site early in the morning and began demolition work around 5:30 am. Sheds, boundary walls and other temporary and permanent structures built on the land were removed during the operation.

According to officials, nearly 65 dismil of government land was ultimately cleared during the drive, exceeding the initial estimate of around 45 dismil after survey teams identified additional encroached portions.

Notice Issued Earlier

The administration had first initiated action on Saturday, when survey teams visited the site to demarcate the boundaries of government land. During that process, resort operators sought more time to remove the structures.

SDM Ven Singh Netam granted a two-day period for voluntary compliance. However, officials said no substantial action was taken by the occupants during that period, prompting the administration to return with full enforcement measures on Monday.

Authorities stated that the demolition drive was conducted after completion of all required procedural formalities.

Four-Hour Operation

The demolition exercise continued for nearly four hours. Bulldozers first dismantled the resort’s main shed structure, followed by smaller rooms and other constructions allegedly built by individuals claiming occupancy rights over the land.

Police personnel remained deployed throughout the operation to prevent any disruption. Officials said some resistance was reported from the operators during the initial phase, but the demolition continued without interruption.

Debris removal work continued later in the day.

Court Order Cited

Speaking on the action, SDM Netam said the matter had already been examined in the Ambikapur Tehsil Court, which found the occupation to be unauthorized.

An eviction notice had reportedly been issued under Section 248, providing the legal basis for removal of the encroachment. Officials maintained that the two-day notice given before demolition was part of due process and offered the occupants an opportunity to vacate the land voluntarily.

Sources in the administration said enforcement became necessary after the deadline expired without compliance.

Probe Into Land Records

Officials are also examining documents related to the resort property itself. According to the administration, the resort is located on land originally classified as rehabilitation land meant for displaced persons.

A complaint filed by local resident Deepak Roy reportedly alleged irregularities in the property registration process. District authorities are now verifying land records and registry documents linked to the property.

Initial findings, according to officials familiar with the matter, suggest that portions of the resort and related facilities may have been developed on land where private ownership claims are under question. The investigation is still underway.

Land To Be Used For Public Projects

The district administration has indicated that the reclaimed land will be used for public welfare projects to prevent future encroachment.

Among the proposals being considered are Anganwadi centres and other government service facilities requiring land allocation in the area. Officials said the aim is to ensure that recovered government land is put to productive public use rather than left vacant.

Administration Signals Tougher Stand

District officials described the case as part of a wider pattern of unauthorized occupation of government land in and around Ambikapur, particularly in commercial and resort zones.

The administration has indicated that similar action may continue in other cases where encroachments are found and notices are ignored. Officials said future violations would face strict enforcement if occupants fail to comply voluntarily after due notice.