Rourkela: Land sharks have cast their evil eyes on unused land belonging to Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) near sector-22, including private and government land. They have started encroaching the land and selling it at a premium.
Their latest target is the RSP land adjacent to Fertiliser D Block. Some land mafia has encroached upon the unused land. After plotting, they allegedly attempt to sell it at Rs 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh a decimal. Some plots already have tube wells and 2 to 3 feet high boundary walls.
It was alleged that all this is taking place with the full knowledge of the officials concerned. Sometimes, RSP land guards are noticed visiting this area and seen asking people to refrain from illegal construction. This often results in scuffles and culminates at police stations. The land mafia still does not care.
Retired employees of the RSP have become their soft targets. They search desperately for a piece of land. In their desperation to own a piece of land, they even close their eyes to the category of land. Their competition for a plot encourages the mafia to raise prices.
The plight of prospective buyers does not end here. They are told that they should hand over the construction work to them. Else, the land cannot be theirs. The retired employees are unwittingly becoming their prey, spending twice more for acquiring the land and constructing their houses.
It was alleged that if the present situation continues, the price of land in the Steel City RSP will skyrocket. PNN