13 years after cancelling its lease, GDA takes over Hindi Bhawan

Ghaziabad: The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) on Monday took possession of Hindi Bhawan after it was found to be operating without any permission for the past 13 years. The matter had come to light last month when a BJP councillor accused the GDA of turning a blind eye to the illegal use of the building.
The GDA, in 1986, had leased out 3,838 sqm of land to Hindi Bhawan Samiti at a concessional rate solely for the purpose of promotion of Hindi language. However, its lease was cancelled in 2006 after the management of Hindi Bhawan, located in Lohia Nagar, was found to be indulging in commercial activities and also not paying the dues.
GDA secretary Santosh Kumar Rai said, “A notice to vacate the Hindi Bhawan premises was issued last month. Moreover, a month’s time was given to its management to approach a suitable forum for redress of the issue, but they failed to get any relief. A GDA team went to the spot on Monday and took possession of the building.”
BJP councillor Rajendra Tyagi had highlighted the issue of Hindi Bhawan in May this year and alleged that its lease was cancelled in 2006 over non-payment of dues and violation of terms and conditions. Tyagi told TOI the Hindi Bhawan was developed by the GDA for promotion of Hindi literature, but the samiti went on to book and charge for commercial and other political activities against the rule. “Even after lease cancellation, the committee continued with its commercial activities. Even the GDA failed to take any action,” he added.
At the time of lease allotment, the samiti was supposed to pay Rs 3.37 lakh to GDA but it paid only Rs 60,000. By 2006, the amount had increased to Rs 36 lakh, including interest, he said. The councillor had also accused the president of Hindi Bhawan, Lalit Jaiswal, and MLA Atul Garg, also a minister in the Yogi Adityanath government, of helping each other in wresting control of the bhawan.
When contacted, Jaiswal said, “I have come to know about the GDA’s action, but at present, I am in Lucknow. We have already appealed to higher authorities and would follow the legal proceedings.”