In a significant development for the Bagalkote district, the Waqf Board has designated a total of 6,900 acres of land and 1,419 properties for its administration. The acquisition process has officially commenced, signalling a major step in the management of these assets.
As part of this initiative, 706 properties have already been transferred to the Waqf Board’s accounts. However, there are still 713 properties for which records have not yet been handed over, and no official notices regarding this matter have been issued to date.
The properties associated with the Waqf Board are varied and extensive. Preliminary estimates reveal that there are 568 properties under the Revenue Department, 555 under the Rural Development Department, and 296 under the Urban Development Department. Comprehensive details about these properties are anticipated to be made public soon.
Reports indicate that several government structures, including housing complexes from the social welfare department, have been constructed on land designated for Waqf. This raises questions about the future of these buildings and whether they will need to be vacated as the Waqf Board takes over the land.
The range of properties falling under the Waqf Board’s jurisdiction includes mosques, dargahs, madrasas, graveyards, Eidgahs, and educational institutions. Additionally, certain properties associated with village panchayats and various government departments are also included, as outlined in the official Gazette.
In terms of administrative processes, applications for the change of accounts have been submitted to the relevant authorities in Form 3. Officials have indicated that adjustments will be made if regulations allow, although there seems to be some hesitation from officials in disclosing detailed information about the status of these changes.
The Land Tribunal has approved some land allocations for farmers, leading to discussions regarding the retrieval procedures for this land. Officials have asserted that even if objections arise concerning the properties, reclaiming the land may not be feasible.
The acquisition of land by the Waqf Board raises essential questions about existing land use and the rights of current occupants. Ongoing discussions aim to clarify the procedures necessary for the retrieval of this land and address any potential disputes.
The takeover of 6,900 acres and 1,419 properties by the Waqf Board represents a pivotal shift in land management in Bagalkote. As the process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring how existing structures will be managed and how the rights of current land users will be respected in this transition.
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