Prayagraj: Fresh Notices to Combat Encroachment on Military Land Near Padila Airstrip
Prayagraj: Encroachment on military land has once again become a pressing issue in Prayagraj, as the Defence Estates Office gears up to issue a new set of notices to individuals and families who have constructed permanent homes and other structures on land surrounding the Padila airstrip, located near Fafamau.
This development is part of an ongoing effort to reclaim sensitive military property that has been gradually occupied over the years.
Earlier in May, over 200 residents had received official notices warning them against illegal occupation of defence land.
However, that first campaign proved to be incomplete and only partially effective. Several notices were sent to names that could not be verified with actual residents, while numerous constructions on the ground were overlooked entirely.
To address these shortcomings, the Defence Estates Office undertook a comprehensive and detailed survey of the affected villages.
Officials meticulously recorded all permanent structures and identified the individuals residing on or using military land. Based on this updated survey, a second round of notices has been prepared and is expected to be issued shortly.
The villages identified under this drive include Gohari, Bahmalpur, Kodsar, Jaitwardih, Rampur, Padila, Sarsa, Jallupur, Duari, Wazirabad, Udaychandrapur, Adhanpur, and Sevait.
Over the years, many of these settlements have experienced steady growth, with temporary shelters gradually replaced by brick-and-mortar houses and even small commercial establishments.
Authorities emphasise that the land in question is military property, forming part of the buffer zone around the Padila airstrip. Such land is classified as highly sensitive, as it may be required for defence operations, training exercises, or emergencies.
Unauthorised construction in these areas not only violates legal boundaries but also poses potential security risks in the long term.
Earlier this year, during the first phase of the anti-encroachment campaign, temporary structures were demolished. That action triggered significant public unrest, as many villagers protested, claiming they had been living on the land for years with no alternative housing options.
Demonstrations and heightened tensions marked that period, highlighting the delicate balance between enforcing the law and addressing the human impact of eviction.
With the current focus shifting to permanent houses and more robust constructions, the situation is expected to be even more sensitive.
Demolishing these structures could displace entire families, potentially leading to renewed protests and sparking political debates.
Defence Estates officials have clarified that the notices will clearly state that permanent construction on military land is illegal and cannot be regularised.
Subsequent legal action, including demolition or eviction, will be carried out strictly in accordance with military and civil regulations.
This issue also sheds light on the broader challenges of urban expansion in Prayagraj. As the city continues to grow, land scarcity has pushed residents to settle even in restricted areas.
The Padila airstrip region, situated on the outskirts, has increasingly become a target for such settlements. Nevertheless, authorities maintain that military land cannot be treated as ordinary property and will continue to be safeguarded against encroachment.
Residents express deep concern about the impending notices. Many claim to have invested their life savings into constructing their homes and argue that being uprooted without proper rehabilitation or compensation would be highly unjust.
Civil society organisations and political representatives may soon intervene to mediate between the Defence Estates Office and the affected villagers.
As the stage is set for a second phase of notices, a confrontation between defence authorities intent on reclaiming land and villagers striving to protect their homes appears inevitable.
The outcome of this initiative will likely determine the stringency of future enforcement and the broader approach to managing encroachment in Prayagraj.
#Prayagraj #MilitaryLand #PadilaAirstrip #Encroachment #DefenceEstates #LandDispute #UrbanExpansion #EvictionNotices #LocalResidents #CivilTensions #UrbanPlanning #SecurityConcerns
