anil-vij-seeks-probe-into-cantonment-land-cases

Haryana’s Energy, Transport, and Labour Minister Anil Vij has called for a thorough investigation into the role of government officials in ongoing court cases related to cantonment lands following the Exciser Agreement of February 5, 1977.

 

Speaking to the media in Chandigarh, Vij said a formal letter would be sent to the state government, requesting an inquiry into whether proper documentation was submitted by government employees in these land-related legal matters.

 

“A letter will be written to ascertain the role of officials in these cases and whether they followed due process,” he said.

 

Vij mentioned the disputed land of the former Burfkhana (ice factory) in Ambala Cantonment. He said while the land was transferred to the Ambala Sadar Municipal Council in 1977, records in the General Land Register (GLR) show it still belongs to the Cantonment Board. “As per the GLR, the land remains government property. Any attempt to sell or purchase it is illegal and warrants criminal proceedings,” he warned.

 

Vij noted that such issues are not limited to Ambala but extend to around 62 cantonment areas across India. The British had granted leasehold rights, not ownership. “These lands were leased out for specific purposes like ice factories, agriculture, and others. Ownership was never granted, and violations of lease terms must be met with legal consequences,” he said.

 

He further added that he had already written to the state government urging an investigation into the Burfkhana land issue and stressed that unauthorized constructions on such leased lands could lead to lease cancellations and demolition.

 

Addressing concerns about cleanliness in Ambala Cantonment, Vij admitted there is a shortage of sanitation workers despite several development projects being carried out recently.

 

“To ensure better cleanliness across all wards, I have directed all councillors to take responsibility for their areas,” he said. He also directed the Executive Officer of the Ambala Municipal Council to write to the state government seeking permission to recruit additional sanitation workers to address the gap.