In a shocking case from the outskirts of Nagpur, development has allegedly come at the direct cost of the environment. In Godhani (Railway) Nagar Panchayat limits, a layout developer has reportedly encroached upon a government drainage channel, flattened the land, blocked its natural water flow, and carved it into plots — where at least five permanent houses have already been constructed.
Despite repeated complaints from two local farmers, both the Godhani Nagar Panchayat and the Nagpur tehsil administration allegedly failed to take concrete action. Locals allege that without administrative complicity, such blatant encroachment on government land would not have been possible. The case now raises serious questions about whether crores of rupees in land transactions were allowed at the cost of public safety and ecological balance.
On June 19, 2024, Nagpur Rural Tehsildar B.D. Tele had ordered the accused, identified as Shakilbabu, to restore the government drain to its original condition within seven days. The order clearly stated that failure to comply would result in government-led restoration and recovery of costs from the accused. Yet, months later, no enforcement followed. Instead, the filling of the drain reportedly continued, deepening suspicions over administrative inaction.
The issue gains urgency as land prices along the Petesur–Godhani cement road corridor have surged to ₹3–4 crore per acre, with plot rates touching ₹1,500–₹2,200 per sq ft. Residents are now questioning whether layout approvals were granted without verifying drainage maps and whether construction permissions were issued despite visible encroachments.
Adding to the damage, two to three government-built check dams on the old drain have allegedly been buried under soil. In a state that promotes “Save Water” policies, this act not only threatens groundwater recharge but also raises the risk of future flooding
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