Bulldozers Roar in Haldwani as Government Reclaims Land Worth 50 Crores

In a powerful display of authority, Haldwani's civic administration took decisive action on Thursday, reclaiming nearly 18 bighas of prime government land valued at over ₹50 crore. The land, which had been illegally occupied for years, was finally freed from encroachers, marking a significant victory in the city’s ongoing battle against land mafia.

Acting on complaints of unauthorized possession near the old Katha factory by Bareilly Road cemetery, teams from the municipal corporation and local administration launched a joint operation. Temporary structures and boundary walls erected on the land were swiftly demolished with the help of JCB machines. A board was also installed declaring the land as government property.

According to officials, the reclaimed land was initially leased decades ago for industrial use, but the factory had been defunct since 1970 and rent hadn’t been paid for years. Over time, the land became a hotspot for illegal occupation and alleged extortion.

One local resident, Rakesh Chauhan, who had constructed a temporary home on the site, claimed that certain individuals had been demanding ₹5 lakh from him in exchange for continued occupation. He also reported receiving frequent threats. The administration has asked all residents of such makeshift dwellings—14 families in total—to present their documents for verification.

The municipal commissioner confirmed that anyone found attempting to encroach again will face legal action. To prevent future occupation, the land will now be geo-tagged for better monitoring and record-keeping.

During the operation, authorities also encountered three young men using drugs in a nearby abandoned structure. They were handed over to local police, as residents revealed the area had long been a hub for illegal activities.

In a separate crackdown the same day, supply officials raided a site in Gaulapar following a tip-off about illegal gas refilling. A total of 41 commercial gas cylinders and refilling equipment were seized, and a case was filed against two individuals from Sitarganj.

As Haldwani intensifies its campaign to reclaim public land and enforce law and order, residents are beginning to see the results of a more assertive and accountable administration.