In a significant development in Haryana, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Jind district has suspended the sarpanch of Karsola village in the Julana block. The decision comes in response to allegations of misusing pond land for unauthorized construction. Orders for the suspension were officially issued on November 28, marking a stern stand against such violations.
What’s the Allegation?
The controversy began when Sumit Kumar, a resident of Karsola village, lodged a formal complaint against Sarpanch Mahendra Lather. Kumar alleged that the sarpanch illegally constructed a community hall (choupal) spanning 200 square yards on land earmarked as a pond (talab).
Under Haryana’s land-use policies, pond land is strictly reserved for water conservation purposes and cannot be repurposed for any other construction. The move has sparked significant concern among the residents, especially given the critical role of ponds in rural ecosystems.
Key Highlights of the Case
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Accused | Sarpanch Mahendra Lather |
| Location | Village Karsola, Julana Block, Jind |
| Alleged Violation | Construction of a choupal on pond land |
| Area Involved | 200 square yards |
| Action Taken | Suspension of sarpanch by DC |
| Date of Suspension Order | November 28, 2024 |
Sequence of Events Leading to Suspension
- Complaint Filed: Sumit Kumar highlighted the issue in a formal complaint, emphasizing that the construction was against land-use norms.
- Show-Cause Notice Issued: On October 21, 2024, the sarpanch was served with a show-cause notice, asking him to justify the construction.
- Investigation Committee Appointed: The district administration formed a special committee to probe the allegations.
- Findings Confirm Violation: The investigation report concluded that the choupal was indeed constructed on pond land (Kila number identified in records) through an e-tendering process, breaching Haryana’s policies.
- Action Taken: Based on the findings, the Deputy Commissioner suspended Sarpanch Mahendra Lather.
Why Pond Land Cannot Be Used for Construction?
The land marked as ponds or water bodies is crucial for:
- Water Conservation: Preventing water scarcity in rural areas.
- Ecological Balance: Supporting biodiversity and acting as a natural rainwater catchment.
- Flood Prevention: Absorbing excess rainwater during monsoons.
Haryana’s strict land-use policies ensure such lands are protected to maintain ecological balance and prevent misuse.
Community Reactions to the Suspension
The suspension has drawn mixed reactions from the villagers.
- Support for Action: Several residents have welcomed the decision, stating that protecting pond land is vital for the village’s future.
- “This is a fair decision. Pond land is for water conservation, not for construction,” said local resident Manoj Yadav.
- Criticism of the Process: Others believe the sarpanch was unfairly targeted. “The couple was meant to benefit the community. The administration should have regularized it instead of suspending him,” said Ramesh Kumar, another villager.
Government’s Stand on Land Misuse
This incident is a part of Haryana’s broader crackdown on unauthorized land use in rural areas. The state government has been taking stringent measures to prevent the encroachment of common village lands (shamlat) and ensure adherence to e-tendering norms for public works.
Officials emphasize that public representatives, including sarpanches, must uphold the law and prioritize sustainable development.
What Happens Next?
- Further Investigation: Authorities will likely continue investigating whether additional misuse of public land has occurred in the village.
- Community Impact: The village panchayat may face temporary disruptions in leadership until a new sarpanch is appointed or reinstated.
- Policy Reinforcement: The incident could lead to stricter enforcement of land-use policies across Haryana.
Impact of the Incident
- Reinforcement of Accountability: This action underscores the state’s commitment to holding public representatives accountable.
- Warning to Other Sarpanches: The suspension serves as a warning for other sarpanches to strictly adhere to rules.
- Focus on Land Conservation: It reiterates the importance of preserving water bodies in rural areas.
