Over 2,484 show cause notice served for illegal construction on paddy land: Biren

Imphal: For preservation of agricultural land the government and as preventive measures, the government has served a total of over 2,484 show cause notice against illegal construction on paddy land, chief minister N. Biren Singh said on Wednesday in 3rd session of 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

More than 160 vehicles have seized along with construction materials, said Biren, who is also in charge of Revenue department

The Leader of the House was responding to motion for disapproval of policy cut raised by opposition MLA K. Ranjit Singh in Assembly session.

Opposition MLA K Ranjit Singh raised the motion for disapproval of policy cut during ‘discussion and voting on demands for grants in Land Revenue, Stamps and Registration and District Administration on account of inability to preserve agricultural lands.

Clarifying the disapproval of policy cut motion, Biren said Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014 was formed in order to conserve the paddy land and wetland and to restrict the conversion or reclamation thereofin order to promote growth in the agricultural sector in Manipur. However, due to improper implementation in field the government found many cases constructing illegal structures in paddy fields which leads to decrease in paddy field areas.

He said in the entire geographical area of the state, it has approximately 8 percent of paddy land. The government formed the Act to conserve the paddy land.

In continuation of necessary steps taken under the Act, the government has seized number of vehicles, and served many show cause notice to over 2,484 in the last few years, Biren said.

The government needs support from MLAs and public to conserve the paddy lands of Manipur, he added.