ITANAGAR, 12 Jun: The Arunachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Parishad (APPRP) has urged the Land Management Department to conduct a comprehensive joint survey and demarcate all panchayati raj lands across the state to protect them from encroachment.

In a letter to the land management secretary, the APPRP stated that several parcels of panchayati raj lands are either lying unutilised or are vulnerable to unauthorised occupation and encroachment due to the absence of proper identification, documentation, and demarcation.

It urged the secretary to ensure proper documentation, fencing, and maintenance of records to safeguard government assets from encroachment and misuse.

It further urged the secretary to bring all identified panchayati raj lands under the direct control and management of the department “for their optimum utilisation in public welfare projects, community infrastructure, institutional development, and other activities beneficial to the people.”

“Such an initiative will not only protect government assets but also ensure their productive use for the development of local self-governance and the strengthening of panchayati raj institutions across the state,” the APPRP said.