Gorakhpur, August 12, 2025 – The Gorakhpur Development Authority (GDA) is stepping up its fight against illegal housing colonies in the city, aiming to clear out unauthorized developments that have popped up in recent years. Over the past year, the GDA has demolished 88 such colonies, freeing up more than 500 acres of land that was being misused. These actions come as part of a broader effort to enforce the city’s master plan for 2031, which was updated after the authority expanded its boundaries in 2020-21.
Many of these illegal colonies were built without proper approvals, featuring basic setups like boundary walls, plotted lands, small offices, roads, drains, and even electricity poles to attract buyers. Land mafias have been dividing farmland into small plots and selling them at low prices, promising quick home-building opportunities. But these spots often lack essential services like proper roads, water supply, sewers, and power connections, leaving buyers in a tough spot when demolitions happen. Middle-class families, drawn by the cheap deals and immediate possession, have ended up losing their hard-earned savings as structures get torn down.
Out of 153 identified illegal colonies, 88 have already been cleared, while 65 more are on the list for upcoming bulldozer actions. A recent example includes the demolition in Bishanpur, where unauthorized plotting was razed to the ground. Earlier this month, on August 2, the GDA reported freeing 25.50 acres in one drive alone, showing the pace of their operations. Back in May, they claimed to have reclaimed around 510 acres through similar efforts, highlighting a consistent push against encroachments.
In a review meeting led by GDA Secretary Pushpraj Singh, officials were told to speed things up. They decided to limit hearings on these cases to just three dates at most before issuing demolition orders. Chief Engineer Kishan Singh has asked for updates on all pending matters to ensure quick follow-through. The authority says this is part of a step-by-step campaign to make Gorakhpur free from illegal plotting and buildings in the days ahead.
Local residents have mixed feelings. Some welcome the moves, saying it protects the city’s planned growth and stops land grabs. Others, especially those who bought plots without knowing the risks, feel let down and call for better warnings from the government. The GDA has put out lists of unauthorized areas on their website, urging people to check before investing. This includes colonies like Gulmohar City in Banjari Tola (already demolished) and others like Sarvodaya Colony in Prem Nagar that are still pending.
As Gorakhpur grows, with more people moving in for jobs and better living, keeping a check on unplanned developments is key. The GDA’s actions aim to promote legal housing schemes, like their recent flat registrations, while cracking down on violators. Officials promise more drives soon, focusing on the remaining 65 sites to reclaim land and enforce rules. For now, buyers are advised to verify any property with the authority to avoid heartbreak. This ongoing effort shows the city’s commitment to orderly expansion, but it also highlights the need for awareness among the public.
