The Sambhal district administration is preparing to take firm action to restore a cemetery adjacent to the Shahi Jama Masjid after a survey revealed widespread encroachment. Officials have finalised data on 22 occupants who have constructed houses and shops on roughly 4,780 square metres of non Z-A land, and notices are expected to be served within days.
Sambhal cemetery land encroachment
Sub-divisional Magistrate (SDM) Ramanuj Singh said the measurement was carried out on Tuesday with heavy security in place. Matching the survey results with revenue records confirmed that the land in question falls under cemetery use and not private ownership. The administration has compiled a detailed register for each occupant, including name, area occupied, nature of construction and the likely period of encroachment.
“We will not act in haste,” the SDM said. “Every stakeholder will be given a full opportunity to present records. If lawful documents are produced, they will be examined in accordance with the rules. Where such records are not forthcoming, we will initiate proceedings under section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code.”
The next procedural step will be the issuance of formal notices asking the identified occupants to submit supporting land records within a prescribed timeframe. If the documents fail to satisfy revenue authorities, the government will begin legal proceedings to remove unauthorised structures and restore the land to its original public function.
Officials stress that the exercise aims to protect government and public-use land rather than to cause unnecessary hardship. The SDM said the process would be transparent and conducted strictly within the law, with all decisions based on documentary evidence and statutory provisions.
Local authorities have recorded variations in the age of the constructions found on the cemetery land. Some of the buildings appear to be recent, while others are said to have existed for many years. The registration of these details is intended to prevent confusion during subsequent enforcement actions and to ensure that the administration can respond to any legitimate claims supported by revenue records.
Special emphasis is being placed on maintaining law and order while carrying out the enforcement. The district administration coordinated with local police during the survey to avoid confrontation and to ensure that the measurement work proceeded smoothly.
Legal experts note that cases under section 67 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code typically involve contesting unauthorised occupation of government land. If prosecutions proceed, they will follow the prescribed statutory route, which can include orders for demolition of unauthorised constructions and recovery of land.
Residents and community leaders will have an opportunity to respond to notices and to present documentary proof of ownership or rights. The authorities have indicated that any valid claims will be thoroughly investigated and addressed. The overall aim is to secure public land for its intended communal use and to uphold the integrity of revenue records.
As the administration moves to issue notices, observers expect the matter to be resolved through the legal process. The emphasis from officials remains on fairness, transparency and strict adherence to the law while ensuring that public land is protected for communal needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Authorities in Sambhal prepare action on a 4,780 square metre cemetery following survey that identified 22 encroachments related to the Sambhal cemetery land encroachment.
- Notices will be issued within days; occupants may present lawful records before further steps are taken.
- Enforcement could proceed under the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code section 67 if valid documents are not produced.
