The Jalpaiguri district administration is gearing up to reclaim around 63 decimal land (around 27,000 square feet) in Gajoldoba that has been encroached upon.

The development follows a directive from chief minister Mamata Banerjee to clear encroachments from government land and restore their original character.

Gajoldoba in Rajganj block is also known for Bhorer Alo, the mega tourism hub considered Mamata’s dream project.

On Thursday, Subham Kundal, the subdivisional officer (SDO) of Malbazar and the executive officer of Gajoldoba Development Authority (GDA), filed a complaint at the court of Jalpaiguri SDO Tomojeet Chakraborty alleging encroachment of the plot.

“The plot was provided to GDA for the construction of its office and ancillary infrastructure. However, the entire patch of land has been encroached upon by people who have built houses and shops on it,” said a source in the administration.

Based on Kundal’s complaint, Chakraborty heard the case and ordered on Friday that a combined team, comprising officials of land and land reforms department, the GDA, police and officials of the Rajganj block administration would visit the spot on Saturday.

“They will visit the spot and submit a status report to me on Monday. If the allegation is proved to be correct, appropriate steps would be taken,” said Chakraborty.

Sources said the encroachers would initially be served notices.

“If they fail to prove that they own the land, the administration will take steps to vacate the land. There is a clear instruction from the state government in this regard,” the source added.

As the news spread, Khageswar Roy, the TMC MLA of Rajganj and the vice-chairman of the GDA, spoke with block officials on Friday.

“We will not allow any encroachment on government land. This land was provided to build the office of the GDA and we can’t let some people sit on it illegally,” the MLA said.