Survey for eviction begins at Thangal and Paona Keithel
Steps on to give leg space to commuters
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06 2025: Preparing ground for a massive eviction, the Imphal West district administration has launched surveys to identify illegal encroachment at Thangal and Paona Keithel today.

The survey drives began at the two largest markets with Deputy Commissioner Mayanglambam Rajkumar leading officials of Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC), MAHUD and several line departments.

Notably, the Deputy Commissioner had earlier informed land owners, residents and shopkeepers of Thangal and Paona Keithel that surveys to assess encroachment would be conducted today.

During the drives today, the officials found rampant encroachment including aerial expansions and projections over Government land, drains, footpaths and public spaces.

The officials also found gates installed on public roads and locked.

Survey for eviction begins at Thangal and Paona Keithel

Speaking to reporters amid the drives, the Deputy Commissioner said there is rampant illegal encroachment on the roads, footpaths and public spaces at Thangal and Paona Keithel.

The widespread encroachment including aerial expansions, and illegal structures have shrunk the public roads and footpaths, causing inconveniences to the public and all commuters.

The drives aim to identify all illegal encroachment in the two markets for effective eviction, he said.

Rajkumar said encroachment has become a "disease" that has plagued the State.

"There is no objection to construction and installation of structures on private patta land.

However, no one is allowed to illegally encroach on Government land, public spaces including the roads, footpaths and drainage systems," Rajkumar said.

He said the district administration along with relevant authorities have been examining land records to carry out the surveys and evictions later based on accurate data.

An 11-foot-wide road has been reduced to just three to four feet gully with buildings constructed on either side.

Some have even installed a gate at one end of a road, the Deputy Commissioner said, citing some examples of encroachment the officials witnessed during the drives.

The surveys will identify all illegal encroachments and mark them for eviction.

The eviction will be carried out following the law, and prior notices will be served to the individuals, entities concerned to give them the opportunity to file claims and objections, if any, Rajkumar said.

Illegal encroachment is not limited to the market area only.

There are widespread illegal encroachments in other places as well including the river banks.

People must also take responsibility.

It is a disease to illegally occupy land, Rajkumar said.

All encroachments will be identified and evicted effectively, he added.

Meanwhile, the Imphal East district administration has issued a notice informing individuals concerned that hearing of claims and objections related to eviction will be conducted on August 9 at 11 am at the Court Hall of the Deputy Commissioner.

The notice, issued by the Deputy Commissioner Imphal East, came after the district administration had given individuals concerned 7 days time to clear and remove all illegal and unauthorized structures on river banks and drainage systems.

The individuals concerned who had filed claims/obj ections may produce relevant documents to support their claims on the day of the hearing on August 9, said the notice of the Deputy Commissioner.