A major anti-encroachment drive took place in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, on January 14, with authorities reclaiming nearly 19 bighas (1.239 hectares) of public land along Chandausi Road in Sambhal Tehsil. The operation, conducted jointly by the police and district administration, targeted longstanding illegal occupations. Officials emphasized that the move aims to restore state property and prevent future encroachments in this sensitive district.
The drive focused on Chandausi Road, a vital stretch in Sambhal Tehsil, where encroachers had occupied around 19 bighas (1.239 hectares) of valuable land. Bulldozers and other heavy machinery were deployed to systematically demolish unauthorized structures, clearing the area and restoring it for public use. The operation represents a major reclamation effort, tackling years of unchecked illegal construction.
#WATCH | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: ASP Kuldeep Singh says, "Yesterday, some measurement work was carried out in the Hayat Nagar area. Considering the circumstances and the police station's analysis, and based on their request, forces from 4 police stations, 4 SHOs, and 2 PAC… https://t.co/PWkluKRhse pic.twitter.com/QUmNwWcVSP
— ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2026
Uttar Pradesh has often resorted to so-called “bulldozer justice” to tackle illegal land occupations, especially in sensitive areas like Sambhal, where land disputes frequently intersect with law-and-order concerns. The recent operation in Sambhal is part of a broader state initiative to reclaim public land for infrastructure, housing, and urban development. While local residents have welcomed the move to improve traffic flow and restore open spaces, affected families point to gaps in rehabilitation, sparking ongoing debates over the balance between strict enforcement and social welfare.
