Four Ganga Land Leases Cancelled in Sambhal After Record Irregularities

The Sambhal district administration has cancelled four government land leases issued more than three decades ago after an official investigation found alleged irregularities in the classification and allotment of Ganga river land.

The action follows an inquiry that concluded approximately 31 bigha of land in Surpur village of Gunnour tehsil was leased after its original revenue classification was allegedly altered, allowing land categorized as riverbed to be treated as agricultural property.

Inquiry Reveals Alleged Record Manipulation

The decision was taken by the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) based on an investigation conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Gunnour.

Officials found that while the current revenue records listed the land as transferable agricultural property, older consolidation documents identified it as Category-6(1) submerged river land, making it ineligible for such allotments.

Following the findings, the administration ordered the cancellation of all four leases and directed revenue officials to restore the land’s original classification in official records.

Leases Issued in 1991 Declared Invalid

According to the inquiry, the disputed leases were granted on November 17, 1991, in the names of Shrinivas, Sher Singh, Shakuntala, residents of Surpur village, and Prakash Chandra of Patei Kayasth village.

Authorities stated that the allotments did not comply with the provisions of Section 128 of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Code, 2006, prompting their cancellation.

Officials said corrective entries are now being made in the revenue records to reflect the land’s original legal status.

Wider Probe Into Ganga Riverbank Land Allotments

The latest action is part of a broader investigation into alleged irregularities involving government land located along the Ganga riverbank in Sambhal district.

Earlier investigations uncovered suspected illegal allotments involving nearly 845 bigha of government land in Sukhailla village under Gram Panchayat Asadpur, where 162 leases are also under scrutiny.

Investigators believe a similar pattern may have been followed in multiple cases, with riverbed land allegedly reclassified as agricultural land before being leased to individuals.

Field inspections reportedly found that much of the land was unsuitable for conventional farming and was instead being used for activities such as sand mining.

Government Land Worth ₹18 Crore Under Review

District officials estimate that approximately 850 bigha (around 71.5 hectares) of government land, valued at nearly ₹18 crore, is currently under investigation.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive review of historical land leases issued across villages situated along the Ganga river in the Rajpura, Gunnour, and Junawai blocks.

The objective is to determine which allotments were made legally and identify cases where land records may have been manipulated.

Officials’ Role Also Being Examined

The investigation has also raised questions about the possible involvement or negligence of officials from the revenue and consolidation departments.

District authorities said responsibility will be fixed after the inquiry is completed, and legal or departmental action will be taken against anyone found to have violated land allotment rules.

Officials indicated that the ongoing review could reveal additional cases involving unauthorized occupation or irregular leasing of government land.

The administration has reiterated its commitment to restoring government property and ensuring transparency in land management across the district.