USFA submits memorandum to District Collectors office over harassment of forest officials on encroached land holders in Bhatkal Taluka

Bhatkal 7 February 2019: The Ummar Street Friends Association(USFA) of Bhatkal taluk on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the district administration office of Karwar, condemning the harassment by the forest officials to encroached land holders of Bhatkal taluk. The letter addressing to the district commissioner stated that, “The people in Bhatkal taluk are residing in the encroached land for about 40 years there. The taluk which is covered with 40% of forest area is where the people reside for years having no private property for them.” It further stated that, “As the people residing there for years the houses have turned old and some have collapsed. In this situation when the people try to repair them, they need to face harassment from the forest officials. The officials either destroy the modification of the house or take under their control. Due to this people are facing lots of problem.” The Memorandum urged the DC to take effective steps and direct the forest officials to allow the alteration and repair of the house on encroached land. On this occasion Aftab Damudi, Patan Panchayat member and Afzal Mohtesham, former secretary USFA were present while submitting the memorandum.