Indirapuram: Nearly 20% of Vacant Plots Encroached, Residents Seek GDA Action
Residents in Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram say unauthorised occupation affects safety and sanitation, and have asked GDA and local representatives to survey vacant plots and take action under applicable rules and procedures.
- The Indirapuram Welfare Association estimates nearly 20% of undeveloped allotted plots have been encroached upon.
- Residents cite safety, hygiene and alleged unauthorised electricity, water and sewer connections.
- The association has proposed a six-month notice and further action for non-compliance; GDA’s response is awaited.
Residents of Indirapuram in Ghaziabad have urged the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) to act against alleged encroachment on vacant plots, with the local welfare association estimating that nearly 20% of undeveloped allotted plots have been occupied. The complaint was raised in a letter sent by the Indirapuram Welfare Association (IWA) to the authority and local elected representatives.
According to the association, some vacant plots may have been occupied by unauthorised settlers, with residents alleging that certain sites have been taken over by land mafias. The association says such occupation could create security and sanitation concerns in an established residential neighbourhood.
Residents have also raised concerns about alleged unauthorised connections to electricity, water and sewer networks. Apart from the potential impact on hygiene and safety, the association says such connections could result in losses of public revenue.
Indirapuram Welfare Association general secretary Sudarshan Awasthi said the association had written to GDA, Ghaziabad mayor Sunita Dalal and Ward 81 councillor Dheeraj Agarwal, seeking intervention. The association has proposed that plot owners be given six months to begin construction or clear unauthorised occupation from their land.
It has also urged the authority to consider cancelling allotments where owners fail to comply, followed by eviction action against encroachers, in accordance with applicable rules and procedures. These are demands made by the residents’ association; no such action has been confirmed by GDA in the report.
The association says many residents have invested around ₹2 crore to ₹2.5 crore in their homes and are concerned that encroachments could undermine property rights, neighbourhood safety and the quality of life. Residents want vacant plots to be monitored and managed so that unauthorised settlements do not become permanent.
A response from GDA was awaited at the time of the report. Residents have warned that they may take the matter to higher authorities, including the chief minister’s office, if they do not receive an adequate response. Any enforcement action, notice to plot owners or cancellation of allotments would depend on the authority’s review and the applicable legal process.
- A survey of vacant plots allegedly affected by encroachment.
- A six-month notice period for plot owners to address the situation.
- Action against unauthorised occupation and utility connections, subject to due process.
