The Bhopal administration has initiated attachment proceedings against three illegal colony projects, marking the first major move to recover funds and complete pending development works for affected residents.

First Major Enforcement Move

In a significant step against illegal colony development in Bhopal, the district administration has started the process of attaching mortgaged plots belonging to colonisers who allegedly failed to fulfil commitments made to homebuyers. The action, believed to be the first of its kind in the city, targets three projects — Gokuldham, Dwarkadham and Patel Nagar.

The move comes amid growing complaints from residents who invested in plots and housing projects but were left without basic civic infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems and drinking water facilities.

Complaints Trigger Action

According to officials, the district administration's special colony cell has received around 50 complaints related to illegal colonies and incomplete development works. After examining the cases, authorities completed hearings in three matters and recommended further action to the municipal corporation.

The administration has now moved forward with proceedings to auction mortgaged plots in the identified colonies. Officials say the action is intended to ensure accountability among developers and provide relief to affected residents.

Tender Process Underway

In Gokuldham and Dwarkadham colonies, tenders have already been issued for the auction of mortgaged plots. The process is expected to generate funds that can be used for long-pending infrastructure work within the colonies.

The Patel Nagar case involves liabilities exceeding ₹22 crore. Due to the scale of the matter, it will require final approval from the Urban Development and Housing Department before further proceedings can be carried out.

Officials indicated that additional cases may be taken up in the coming months depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.

Special Colony Cell Monitoring Cases

Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Sumit Pandey said the action is being carried out through a special colony cell constituted on the Collector's instructions.

The cell includes officials from the sub-divisional administration, Bhopal Municipal Corporation, building permission branch and the registration department. Complaints are being scrutinised, and developers found responsible for violations are facing legal and administrative action.

Authorities maintain that the objective is to protect plot buyers and ensure that promised civic amenities are ultimately delivered.

Funds to Support Development Works

Residents of the affected colonies had repeatedly complained that despite purchasing plots and paying required charges, key infrastructure remained incomplete.

After verification of these complaints, the municipal corporation decided that the auction proceeds from attached plots would be utilised for development works within the same colonies. This could include construction of roads, drainage networks, water supply systems and other essential public facilities.

Officials believe the mechanism will help bridge funding gaps where colonisers have failed to meet their obligations.

Earlier Auctions Drew No Buyers

The Gokuldham matter had earlier reached the High Court. Following court-directed proceedings, authorities cleared the way for the auction of 23 mortgaged plots in the colony.

Officials said tenders had previously been floated for both Gokuldham and Dwarkadham. However, no buyers came forward during the earlier attempts. The administration has now restarted the process in the hope of attracting bidders and accelerating development works.

RERA-Linked Action Also Planned

The administration is also preparing attachment proceedings in connection with the RRB Regal Shubh Business Project located in Raslakhedi village. The proposed action is linked to orders issued by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).

Officials said strict measures against defaulting developers would continue in future cases as well. The administration maintains that protecting the interests of homebuyers and ensuring completion of promised infrastructure remains a priority.

With the latest action, Bhopal's crackdown on illegal colonies has entered a new phase, signalling tougher enforcement against developers who fail to deliver basic amenities after selling plots and collecting money from buyers.