Commander BRTF, SE asked to implement PRD Act

RAJOURI, JULY 01: District Administration Rajouri has directed the Commander 31 BRTF and Superintending Engineer PWD to exercise their powers under Prevention of Ribbon Development Act and remove encroachments. More than 700 encroachments have been reported on BRO roads involving land worth crores acquired by Ministry of Defence.

The directions were issued by the District Development Commissioner Rajouri, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary in view of communications received by Revenue department for removal of encroachments. Administration has accordingly clarified that powers for removal of such encroachments are vested with  Commander 31 BRTF under SRO 44 of 2001 Dated 24.01.2001, of  Public Works Department and same had not been exercised which lead to hundreds of encroachments including prime land in towns. Tehsildars have been asked to initiate action on such encroachments and identify delinquent officials.

Similarly, Superintending Engineer PWD has been asked to proceed under provisions of  SRO 214 of 2000 Dated 21.06.2000, Public Works Department for removal of encroachments.

The order issued by District Collector also directs police investigation in issues of encroachments of BRO roads and failure of officers to contain the encroachments and take action against encroaches as per law.