Land mafias thrive in ecological zones as JDA faces allegations

Jaipur: The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) is struggling to enforce the order of HC which was passed seven years ago regarding strict compliance with the master plan.

The High Court, in a PIL filed by Gulab Chand Kothari, had ordered JDA to halt all residential and commercial projects in ecological zones along Agra Road and Delhi Road, leading to an immediate cessation of ongoing developments.

However, despite the passage of time, illegal colonies continue to proliferate, with land mafias seemingly unaffected by the court’s decision.

Since the ruling, numerous unauthorised colonies have sprung up, particularly in ecological zone where any form of development is prohibited. JDA officials in Zone 13 and the enforcement wing have been criticized for their lack of action against these land mafias, who are openly flouting the master plan.

Despite superficial efforts such as bulldozing roads & breaking gates enforcement actions appear to be more for show than effective. Allegations of collusion between land mafias and JDA officials are also surfacing. Prominent illegal colonies have emerged near Kanota and Kanota Pulia, including a large project named Narendra Mohan Nagar, which spans over 850 residential and commercial plots on approximately 25 bighas of agricultural land.

Land mafias have constructed 7 illegal villas in the area. They are engaging in the illegal buying and selling of plots by issuing backdated leases through Paharganj Housing Cooperative Society. These developments are fully within the ecological zone and have seen the construction of unauthorised shops as well. Illegal colonies named Ayodhya Nagar & Shri Ram Nagar have been established, housing over 500 residential plots & several shops.

In Ayodhya Nagar, Paharganj Housing Society is involved in the illegal buying and selling of plots through backdated leases, while in Shri Ram Nagar, Khudabadi Sonar Cooperative Society is engaged in similar practices. Along this highway, illegal colonies have also been established in several areas, including Kanota Anand, Bhawani Nagar in Kanota village, Basant Kunj, Durga Residency, Shri Balaji Nagar, & Balweri Dham in Bassi. Complaints regarding these illegal constructions have been lodged with JDA officials.

JDA Commissioner Anandhi & other officers including JDA Secy, the Dy Commissioner of Zone 13 and officials of the enforcement wing are well aware of the illegal activities.