Properties of officials clearing constructions on FTL and buffer zones would be seized: HC

Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy said that there is already an order seeking criminal cases against officials who grant permissions in FTL and buffer zones of water bodies and now the court will be compelled to order confiscation of properties of such errant officials.

The comments were made while hearing the case related to demolition of structures at Mangarshikunta, Narkhoda village, Shamshabad.

Counsel for the petitioner said that the assistant executive engineer of the irrigation department had pasted notices on the wall on December 4 stating that structures in FTL or buffer zones should be removed within seven days. He said that his client was were trying to demolish sheet houses built with permits.

After hearing the arguments, the justice expressed deep dissatisfaction with the attitude of the officials.

He said that, the government should not pay compensation for the demolition of illegal structures as it was public money. He wanted to know why the government should pay for the mistakes of officials. He contended that the recovery should be done from the officials and their properties should be confiscated.

Justice Bhaskar Reddy sought to know why rules were not implemented before granting permissions. He said that when illegal structures are found, appropriate notices should be issued and action should be taken.

In the present case, orders were issued to the petitioners to reply with all evidence and documents within 15 days on the notices issued by the irrigation authorities.