According to sources, the issue has been discussed at the highest level and it has been decided to frame a proper policy on encroachments. "Though the policy is a reiterating of existing rules, it in the process of being framed with initiation of stringent regulatory measures", said an official.

The need to have a proper policy on encorachments, especially to check the growth of fresh encroachments, arose after they were found to be on the rise in various kinds on scarce public land in the city, say sources.

As per the plan, checking and regulating encroachments in old sectors of the city would be the responsibility of the MC, while that in the new sectors would be the responsibility of the Land and Acquisition Officer.

To elicit public participation, the Administration has decided to set up a control room in the Deputy Commissioner's office. The control room will receive all calls from the public regarding old and new encroachments. Sources say the telephone is being installed for the purpose, after which the control room would become operational.

While the Administration has also decided to put up boards indicating "Trespassers will be prosecuted" on all vacant lands already acquired by the Administration, it plans to keep more vigil on such land where the process of acquisition is in process. Engineering department will undertake putting up boards on vacant land, say sources.

It was also decided, the sources add, to demarcate the area of the existing colonies by installing pillars at ends of colonies. This would help in checking growth or mushrooming of jhuggis in the existing colonies, officials feel.