Patna: The Bihar government is taking decisive action against illegal encroachments on Bettiah Raj properties, with senior officials actively working to reclaim government land. On Monday, K.K. Pathak, the Additional Chief Secretary and Chairman of the Revenue and Land Reforms Board, visited Bettiah City to assess the situation, signaling the government’s commitment to removing unauthorized occupants from these properties.
The government has recently discovered an additional 1,326 acres of Bettiah Raj land that was overlooked during the 2017-18 land survey. Efforts are underway to register this land in government records to secure its protection. Pathak’s visit has sparked a sense of urgency among the Revenue and Land Reforms Department officials, with a crackdown on encroachments expected in the near future. This move could set the stage for a broader effort across the state to recover illegally occupied public land.
District Magistrate Dinesh Kumar Rai has instructed officials to thoroughly investigate the land records of Bettiah Raj. Pathak’s review will also focus on identifying illegal occupations of government lands, with strict action likely to follow. During his visit, Pathak will also assess the digitization of Bettiah Raj properties to ensure better record-keeping and transparency. Additionally, the government is considering a heritage development plan to restore and enhance the palaces and historical sites of Bettiah Raj.
Pathak’s reputation for quick action has put district officials on alert, and preparations are already underway to review land records and address pending cases. His visit is considered a critical test for local revenue and administrative officials.
In a significant development, the Bihar Assembly passed a bill last year that placed Bettiah Raj properties under state government ownership, further strengthening its control over the land. The estate, which spans 15,221 acres in Bihar and 143 acres in Uttar Pradesh, has faced widespread encroachments, with over 66% of the land in West Champaran and 60% in East Champaran being illegally occupied.
Many current occupants of the estate may challenge their eviction or seek ownership rights through the judiciary, citing long-term residence or other claims.