Sri Vijaya Puram, May 20: The South Andaman District Administration has initiated strict action against alleged illegal land development and plotting activities in Beodnabad and Bimblitan (Kodiyaghat) after multiple cases involving large-scale earth cutting and land levelling came to light.
According to the Administration, four separate cases have recently been detected in which certain persons, recorded tenants or their representatives were allegedly engaged in altering the nature and character of agricultural land under the guise of development activities. Authorities said the lands were being levelled and modified extensively, causing permanent damage to agricultural holdings.
Officials stated that the activities appeared to be aimed primarily at plotting and selling agricultural land, which is prohibited under existing land regulations in the Islands. Notices under Section 151 and other relevant provisions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Land Revenue and Land Reforms Regulation, 1966, have already been issued against the alleged violators.
The Administration said the acts were in direct contradiction to the purpose for which the land had originally been allotted. Authorities alleged that the intention behind the large-scale development was to convert agricultural holdings into plots for sale without properly disclosing the legal status and classification of the land.
The Administration also flagged concerns over what it described as misleading publicity campaigns being used to attract buyers. According to officials, members of the public were allegedly being misled into believing that residential plots were legally available for sale on such lands. Authorities cautioned that such transactions could lead to legal complications for unsuspecting buyers in the future.
The warning comes amid increasing concerns over rapid land alterations in parts of South Andaman, where agricultural holdings have increasingly come under pressure from real estate activities and private plotting attempts. Revenue authorities indicated that unauthorised conversion or misuse of agricultural land would invite stringent penal action under the law.
The Administration said persons involved in such activities had been directed to immediately stop all illegal development work. It warned that failure to comply could result in further action, including ejectment proceedings and extinguishment of tenancy rights under the provisions of the regulation.
Officials also appealed to the general public to exercise caution before entering into land purchase negotiations. Buyers have been advised to verify the factual and legal status of any land with the concerned Revenue Authorities before proceeding with transactions.
Authorities maintained that verification was essential to avoid disputes, legal uncertainty and financial loss arising from unauthorised plotting schemes. The Administration further urged residents to report any similar activities being carried out elsewhere in the district.
The latest action signals a tougher stance by the district administration against alleged illegal land conversion and unregulated plotting activities, particularly on agricultural holdings. Officials reiterated that any violation detected in the future would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
As pressure on land availability continues to rise in South Andaman, the Administration’s warning is also being seen as an attempt to prevent the spread of informal real estate activities that could permanently alter agricultural landscapes and create long-term legal complications for both landholders and buyers.
