PANAJI
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has announced an investigation into all suspicious and illegal land transactions carried out over the past five years in Dodamarg and Sawantwadi talukas of Sindhudurg district near the Manohar International Airport at Mopa.
He warned that stringent action would be taken through a Special Investigation Team (SIT) against illegal purchases of agricultural land by non-farmers.
Speaking to media persons before leaving Goa after a
visit, Bawankule said the Maharashtra government has taken serious note of several complaints and issues raised by public representatives in the State Legislature regarding illegal land transactions in the border region.
According to the minister, allegations have surfaced that several outside builders and developers acquired agricultural land by bypassing existing laws and regulations, illegally purchasing farmers' land and carrying out unauthorised transactions.
In response, the minister said a comprehensive investigation has been initiated under the supervision of the Konkan Divisional Commissioner and the District Collectors through a Special Investigation Team.
Under Maharashtra law, only individuals possessing a valid farmer's certificate are legally entitled to purchase agricultural land.
However, following the commencement of operations at Mopa International Airport, several influential investors and developers allegedly purchased large tracts of agricultural land in the border areas despite being non-farmers, creating extensive ‘land banks’.
The Maharashtra government has also received serious complaints that agricultural land was illegally subdivided into plots and sold without obtaining the mandatory change of land zoning as prescribed under the law.
Taking serious cognisance of these alleged irregularities, the Maharashtra government has decided to re-examine all land purchase and sale transactions carried out in Dodamarg and Sawantwadi talukas during the last five years.
If the investigation establishes that any transaction involved forged documents, violations of legal provisions, or any other irregularities, strict legal action will be initiated against those responsible, the minister warned.
The administration has also clarified that, to ensure transparency in land transactions, purchasers must obtain the necessary change of land zoning in accordance with government rules before undertaking any further transactions.
