West Bengal Government Initiates Comprehensive State-Wide Land Survey
The West Bengal administration has launched a major administrative initiative to address the widespread issue of illegal encroachments on state-owned properties. The government has officially ordered a comprehensive, state-wide survey of all government lands to determine the exact boundaries of public properties and identify unauthorized occupations.
This extensive mapping operation is being spearheaded by the Directorate of Land Records and Surveys, operating under the state's Department of Land and Land Reforms. Officials noted that numerous land parcels belonging to various state departments had remained unattended for years, gradually falling prey to private and institutional encroachments.
Modern GNSS Technology to Ensure Precise Boundary Demarcation
To achieve absolute accuracy and eliminate human error, the administration will leverage advanced Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology for the mapping process. Professional expert agencies will be hired to execute the project, for which the Directorate has already floated Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
The integration of modern satellite technology will allow authorities to pinpoint the exact locations, area measurements, and boundaries of every single plot of government land across the state, ensuring a transparent database for future governance.
Clearing Land to Attract Large-Scale Industrial Investments
A primary catalyst behind this rigorous survey is the state's renewed push to attract major corporate investments under a newly formulated land policy. State officials emphasized that large-scale industrial projects require substantial, unencumbered land parcels.
By clearing illegal occupants from public properties, the government aims to build a robust land bank that can be efficiently allocated to prospective investors, thereby boosting regional economic growth and employment opportunities.
Permanent Pillars and Strict Security Measures Post-Survey
To prevent re-encroachment after the clearance drives, the land department has decided to erect permanent pillars and boundary markers along the perimeter of recovered lands. Officials confirmed that administrative vigilance will remain high to protect public assets.
"Mapping our state-owned land assets accurately is critical for future development. Once cleared, these parcels will be legally protected with permanent markers." — Senior Land Department Official
The entire survey process has been given a strict target completion timeframe of six months, after which aggressive legal and administrative actions are expected against persistent encroachers.
