Raipur
A major confrontation is brewing in Nakatikala village, just 20 kilometres from Raipur, as over 300 residents face the potential demolition of 85 homes, including 15 built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) since 2018. The state government plans to construct a legislators’ housing colony on land it claims is government property.
Villagers have firmly declared their resolve to protect their ancestral land.
“You can roll bulldozers over our chests, but we will not give up our land,” stated 70-year-old Kamla Yadav, her voice resonating with deep connection to the land.
For over a week, women, armed with wooden sticks, have been camping at the village’s cultural stage, cooking meals and tending to children, vowing to resist any eviction attempts.
“We are sons and daughters of Chhattisgarh, not outsiders or infiltrators. Then why are we being treated like encroachers?“
Assembly Question Ignites Dispute
The issue gained prominence after a question was raised in the Chhattisgarh Assembly on 21 March 2025.
BJP MLA Dharamjeet Singh inquired about land allotment for legislators and MPs in Raipur.
Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma responded that land in Nakatikala was under consideration.
Although the proposal was stated to be “under process,” eviction notices were promptly issued, labelling the villagers’ settlement “illegal.”
Villagers question the administration’s stance, pointing out the presence of government infrastructure like water tanks, electricity poles, and piped water.
“If this is illegal, why did the government build infrastructure here?” asked Kisun Yadav, who received a notice to vacate his PMAY home.
Ghanshyam, son of Ferahin Sahu, displayed documents for his mother’s PMAY house, including survey maps and land receipts.
“We have all documents. Is this land the property of politicians?“
Lalit Kumar Yadav, a labourer whose PMAY home was built in 2018, said he approached local authorities and area MLA Anuj Sharma.
“The MLA said he cannot help, stating it is government business,” he recounted.
Culture and Resistance Converge
The epicentre of the resistance is a platform originally built for village cultural programmes, ironically with administrative assistance.
It now serves as a protest hub, where villagers gather to eat, sleep, and strategise.
“Is this why we elected public representatives — to destroy our homes?” a protester asked.
No government official has visited the protest site for over a week.
Community cooking continues, children play while their mothers remain vigilant, wooden sticks by their side.
“We are ready to defend this land the way our ancestors did — with our bodies if necessary,” one woman declared.
Administration Maintains Position
SDM Nand Kumar Chaubey stated:
“It is government land. Notices were issued as the land was encroached. Whether PMAY homes will be demolished — I cannot confirm that right now.“
Additional Collector Kirtiman Rathore echoed this, saying:
“The matter will be handled according to land encroachment laws.“
District Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, when asked about PMAY homes, said:
“We will have to see what happens.“
MLA Anuj Sharma offered a vague assurance:
“I will ensure no injustice is done to the needy.“
On whether PMAY houses are illegal:
“That is for the government to decide.“
Official Notice Details
The notice served to 85 families alleges encroachment on 15.4790 hectares of government land under survey number 460 in patwari halka no. 77.
An eviction order was passed under Section 248 of the Chhattisgarh Land Revenue Code, 1959, on 11 April 2025.
Villagers were instructed to vacate the premises by 28 April.
No enforcement action has been taken since, due to escalating tension and ongoing protests.
Uncertain Future, Unwavering Resolve
The residents of Nakatikala continue to live under the shadow of potential demolition, united by their determination to protect their homes and land.
The outcome — whether a humanitarian crisis or a policy compromise — remains uncertain.
For now, the women continue their vigil, lathis in hand, their resolve unwavering.
