The Bengal government has decided to conduct a survey of vested land in wards 107, 108 and 109 in the state capital to assess the extent of encroachment on government plots in these three wards.

The move follows complaints that a large part of vested plots have been encroached upon.

The survey, a source said, is a part of Nabanna’s initiative to monetise the unused plots owned by the state government to raise money for its welfare projects.

Recently, the state cabinet set up a group of ministers (GoM) to monitor the process of monetising government plots.

“Now, it (this survey) gives a clear signal that the state government wants to expedite the process as it requires a handsome amount (of funds). The state plans to take up several welfare schemes in the absence of central funds,” said a senior official.

The state government plans to kickstart 11.36 lakh dwelling units under the rural housing scheme and give jobs to MGNREGS card holders ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls with its own funds.

The Centre stopped releasing funds under these schemes citing misappropriation of funds.

“A rough estimate says that if the state wants to shoulder the burden of these schemes, it will require at least a sum of Rs 20,000 crore.... Selling off unused plots can be an option to get the funds,” said a source.

Senior officials said that the survey has started with the three wards in Calcutta —which stretch between Chingrighata and the Bagha Jatin railway lines along the EM Bypass — as they have the maximum quantum of land with high commercial value.

“For example, the government has nearly 100 acres of land near the Peerless Hospital. A portion of the land is encroached upon, but the government can sell off the maximum quantum of land right away. Similarly, there is a plot of about 90 acres near the Ruby General Hospital. The survey will find out how much land the government has in these wards and how much is encroached upon,” said another official.

Sources said the survey report is likely to be submitted to the chief minister by August-end. Once the survey demarcates the plots owned by the government, a detailed policy will be framed on how to monetise them.

“If it is found that a large portion of the plots has been encroached upon and multi-storey buildings have risen, the government can ask them to settle the issue by paying requisite fees. In case some unauthorised constructions have come up, the government will try to make the plots encroachment-free by providing residents an alternative. The target is to earn money from these plots,” said a source.