Hooghly, 19 August (H.S.): A special administrative review was held in Hooghly district on Wednesday to assess land-related issues and examine measures for resolving pending cases. After a district review meeting with various MLAs, State Land and Revenue Minister Dipankar Jana visited the office of the Chunchura MLA, where he spoke to journalists about the government’s priorities after completing 100 days in office.

The minister said people were already broadly aware of the work being undertaken by the new government. During the district-level administrative meeting, several key issues related to the Land and Land Reforms Department were reviewed in detail, including land held by pattadars and bargadars, mutation and land conversion.

Jana said the government was also placing special emphasis on industrial expansion. He stressed that industries were essential for addressing unemployment and creating employment opportunities, while suitable land was necessary for setting up industries. The meeting discussed identifying government land, vested land and land that could potentially be acquired by the government if required.

The minister said complaints had also emerged regarding the filling up of water bodies and wetlands in different parts of the district, along with allegations of irregularities and corruption related to land. He said such complaints would be investigated and necessary action taken. Administrative monitoring would also be strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Jana further said the government was taking the land requirements of small traders and entrepreneurs with limited capital seriously. Applications from people requiring relatively small parcels of land to start small businesses would be considered on a priority basis, he said.

The minister also said the government had initiated an inquiry into land associated with the Singur and Dunlop factories in Hooghly. Various complaints have been received regarding these properties, and efforts would be made to resolve the issues after the investigations are completed.

Jana acknowledged that Hooghly has several land-related problems and said the administration was aware of the challenges. He stressed that necessary administrative measures were being taken to prevent such problems from recurring. Particular attention, he said, would be given to ensuring that the land of pattadars and bargadars does not face difficulties or irregularities.

Overall, the minister highlighted the government’s focus on resolving land-related grievances in Hooghly, strengthening monitoring of alleged irregularities, identifying suitable land for industrial development and giving priority to small businesses and entrepreneurs with limited land requirements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey