Grievance Redressal
Investor Relations
Become an Agent / POSP
Download App

Accessibility Options

arrow
Grey Scale
Readable Text
Reset
hamburger
×
Digit General Insurance Logo
lang down-arrow

Select Preferred Language

×
phone icon
accessibility
Powered By Digit
general-insurance
  1. Digit Insurance
  2. Civic Troubleshooting
  3. Reporting Unauthorized Land Use
close
Switch to Digit Insurance

7 Crore+ Customers

Affordable Premium

Check Premium Check Premium
car

Check Price

arrow

How to Report Trespassing or Encroachment on Public Land

Encroachment on public land is a growing concern across Indian cities and rural areas. It occurs when individuals or groups illegally occupy roads, footpaths, parks, lakebeds, government plots, or utility corridors, leading to safety risks, blocked access, disputes, and delays in public works.

This guide explains the rules that apply, how to gather evidence, and the step-by-step process to report trespassing or illegal land occupation, plus practical tips to prevent recurrence and push for timely removal.

Table of Contents

arrow-icon

Steps to File Trespassing or Encroachment on Public Land

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

Never confront encroachers directly, as situations can escalate quickly. If there is an active obstruction or threat, call the police helpline (112/100). Let trained authorities handle immediate intervention.

Step 2: Document the Site

Take wide and close photos/videos of structures, vehicles, fencing, or materials. Include nearby landmarks, street names, and visible signboards for clarity. Save a Google Maps pin and record the date and time of evidence.

Step 3: Identify Land & Ownership

Check survey number, plot ID, or ward details from the local revenue portal. If unclear, file an RTI request to confirm ownership records. Mark whether the site is clearly public/government land like roads, parks, lakes, or utility ROWs.

Step 4: File the Complaint

Submit your evidence to the municipal corporation or local revenue office. Escalate to the police if encroachment involves criminal trespass or obstruction. For unresolved cases, approach the District Collector, Lokayukta, or file a petition in court.

How to Identify Land & Ownership before you File Complaint?

To strengthen your complaint, verify the exact land details before filing. Check the survey number, plot ID, or ward information through the local revenue or land‑records portal. If records are unclear, file an RTI request to confirm ownership. Clearly mark whether the site is public/government property, such as a road margin, park boundary, lake/nalla buffer, or utility right‑of‑way. This ensures your evidence is precise and legally valid.

Type Ownership
Road / footpath / market spillover ULB / Development Authority (+ Police if blocking traffic)
NH / State highway NHAI / PWD
Park / lake / drain ULB + Lake / Storm-water / Irrigation Dept.
Government plot / institutional land Revenue (Tahsildar / SDM / Collector) + Police (if ongoing trespass)
Rail / Metro / Power right-of-way Railways / Metro / Utility owner
Cantonment / Defence land Cantonment Board / Defence Estates

Agencies to Contact for Public Land Trespass

Channel / Agency How to report & when to use
Police (trespass/obstruction in progress) Call 112/100 or visit the station; share address/Maps link + brief evidence; ask for GD/FIR or CSR/DD. Use for ongoing trespass, obstruction, threats.
Local Civic Body (Municipal/Development Authority) File anti-encroachment grievance via portal/app/ward office; attach photos/videos + Maps pin; get ticket ID. Use for roads/footpaths/parks/drains.
Revenue/Administration (Tahsildar/SDM/Collector) Submit a written request with survey/records to verify public title and start removal. Use for government land cases.
Special Agencies (NHAI/PWD, Irrigation/Lake, Forest, Railways, Utilities) Write/portal to the asset owner with Maps link + evidence. Use for encroachments on highways, canals/lakes, forest land, rail/metro, power/telecom ROW.

How to Complaint Against Encroachment in Bangalore?

In Bengaluru, encroachment on public roads, footpaths, drains, parks or layouts can be reported through a mix of police, BBMP, and planning authorities. For any trespass or obstruction in progress, you should first alert the police (112/100) so they can stop further construction or blockage. For footpath/road/drain encroachment, complaints are routed through BBMP’s Sahaaya 2.0 system and the Namma Bengaluru app, which register and track grievances against specific wards and departments.

For layout/plot issues in BDA areas, you can also approach the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), which now runs a 24×7 grievance helpline and citizen assistance cell for land and layout-related complaints. 

Authorities to Contact to File Trespass Complaint in Bangalore

Resource / Agency How to report (what to include) Use for / Notes
Police – Emergency (112/100) Call 112/100 or go to the nearest police station; share address/Maps link, what’s being encroached (road, footpath, drain, government plot), and attach photos/videos later if asked. Request a GD/FIR/CSR number. Trespass or obstruction in progress, work happening at odd hours, threats or physical blocking of a public road/space.
Bengaluru City Police – Online Complaint Use the Bengaluru City Police website (Complaints / File a Complaint section); fill details of incident, location, dates/times, upload evidence, and note the online reference number Non-emergency trespass complaints, follow-up on previously reported encroachment or to keep a digital trail.
Karnataka Police – Citizen Centric Portal Visit the KSP Citizen Portal and use Complaint Registration; describe the trespass/encroachment, give address/Maps link, and upload files where allowed. State-level online complaint option if you prefer a generic Karnataka Police channel instead of only Bengaluru City Police.
BBMP – Sahaaya 2.0 Portal / Namma Bengaluru App Register a grievance under the relevant category (e.g., footpath/road/drain encroachment) via Sahaaya 2.0 or the Namma Bengaluru (Sahaaya 2.0) mobile app; add photos, location pin, short description, and track via ticket ID. Encroachment on BBMP roads, footpaths, drains, parks, public spaces; civic record that can trigger inspection and removal drives.
BBMP – Control Room / Phone-in & WhatsApp Call the BBMP control room numbers (080-22975936 / 080-23636671) or WhatsApp/mobile 94806-85705 (number reported for control room) and report footpath/road/drain encroachment, sharing photos + location; complaints are entered into Sahaaya 2.0 and you get an SMS acknowledgement. Quick voice/WhatsApp channel for on-ground civic encroachment; useful if you’re not comfortable with portals/apps.
Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) – Helpline & Website Call the 24×7 BDA grievance helpline 94831-66622 or use the official BDA website to reach the Citizen Assistance Cell; provide layout name, survey/site details, encroachment description, and supporting photos. Encroachment/illegal occupation in BDA layouts or BDA-owned land, or disputes involving BDA-acquired property.
Evidence (attach wherever possible) With any of the above, include geotagged photos/videos, Maps link, dates & times, a brief description of what has been encroached, and any previous complaint numbers. Strong, consistent evidence makes it easier for both police and civic authorities to act and to escalate if nothing moves.

How to Complaint Against Encroachment in Delhi?

In Delhi, encroachment on public roads, footpaths, drains, parks and government land is handled by a mix of agencies: Delhi Police for trespass/obstruction in progress, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for most city areas, NDMC for New Delhi zones, and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for DDA land and layouts. You can now report illegal construction or land grabbing through digital tools like MCD 311, NDMC 311, and DDA 311 / Online Encroachment Complaint System, alongside the Delhi Police online portal and traditional helplines, with each complaint generating a reference number for tracking. 

Authorities to Contact to File Trespass / Encroachment Complaint in Delhi

Resource / Agency How to report (what to include) Use for / Notes
Delhi Police – Emergency (112/100) Call 112/100 or visit the local police station; share address/Maps link, what is encroached (road/footpath/park/government plot), and if work is ongoing. Ask for GD/FIR/CSR number. For trespass or obstruction in progress, threats, or encroachment work actively going on. Often used alongside MCD/DDA complaints.
Delhi Police – Online Complaint Portal (CCTNS) Use the Delhi Police Citizen Services portal → Complaint Registration; fill details of incident, location, dates/times, and upload photos/videos where allowed; note the online reference number. Non-emergency trespass/encroachment complaints where you want a digital trail and status tracking.
MCD – MCD 311 App / SmartCity 311 Web Portal Use the MCD 311 mobile app (Android/iOS) or MCD 311 web form to lodge a complaint; choose the relevant civic category (e.g., illegal encroachment/road/footpath), add photos, description, and drag the pin on Google Maps. Encroachment on MCD roads, footpaths, markets, drains, public spaces. Generates a ticket ID that is routed to the right zone for anti-encroachment action.
MCD – Call Centre 155305 Call 155305 (MCD call centre) and report illegal encroachment with exact address/landmark and brief description; ask for a complaint number or SMS acknowledgment. Voice option for citizens who prefer phone over apps/portals; useful for road/market/public land encroachment in MCD areas.
DDA – Online Encroachment Complaint System / DDA 311 App Use the Online Encroachment Complaint Registration System on the DDA website or the DDA-311 (SmartCity-311) app (STF – Enforcement Drive) to submit details of illegal construction/encroachment, with photos, address, and your contact; you receive a reference number by email/SMS. Encroachment on DDA land, parks, and layouts; complaints go to DDA’s enforcement/land management wings, which coordinate demolition/eviction drives (often with police support).
NDMC – NDMC 311 App & Helpline 1533 For New Delhi areas, use the NDMC-311 app to raise a civic complaint, or call 1533; share location, photos, and a short description of the encroachment (e.g., hawkers/structures on NDMC roads/markets). Encroachment on NDMC-managed roads, markets, and public spaces; NDMC frequently conducts anti-encroachment drives with Delhi Police.
311 Civic Helpline (Civic Issues Routing) Dial 311 (where active) for monsoon-related and other civic complaints; provide address, issue type, and landmark so the system can route it to MCD/NDMC/PWD as needed. Centralized helpline primarily for civic issues (e.g., roads, drains, waterlogging), which can also surface encroachment-linked road/drain blockages to the right agency.
Evidence (attach with any channel) With any of the above, include geotagged photos/videos, Google Maps link, dates & times, and a clear line like “encroachment on public road/footpath/drain/park” plus any prior complaint numbers. Strong documentation helps police, MCD, NDMC, and DDA coordinate inspections and anti-encroachment drives faster.

How to Complaint Against Encroachment in Chennai?

In Chennai, encroachment on public roads, footpaths, parks, drains or government land can be reported through a mix of Tamil Nadu Police, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and planning bodies like the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA). 

For any trespass or obstruction in progress, you should first alert the police via 112/100 or your local station. For civic encroachments on corporation land and streets, GCC’s Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) is available through the 1913 helpline, the online complaint portal, and the Namma Chennai mobile app, all of which issue a complaint number you can track. 

For building violations and layout-related issues in CMDA areas, complaints can also be sent to CMDA’s online/social media grievance channels, which the Madras High Court has repeatedly directed to act on in cases of unauthorized construction. 

Authorities to Contact to File Trespass / Encroachment Complaint in Chennai

Resource / Agency How to report (what to include) Use for / Notes
Tamil Nadu Police – Emergency (112/100) Call 112/100 or visit the nearest police station; share address/Maps link, what is encroached (road/footpath/park/government plot), and whether work is ongoing or blocking access. Ask for a GD/FIR/CSR number. Trespass or obstruction in progress, threats, or illegal construction happening in real time. Often used together with GCC/CMDA complaints.
Tamil Nadu Police – Citizen Portal & Mobile App Use the TN Police Citizen Portal (eservices.tnpolice.gov.in) or the TN Police Citizen Services app to register an online complaint; enter location, dates/times, description, and upload photos/videos if available; note the online reference number. Non-emergency trespass/encroachment complaints and follow-ups where you want a digital trail and status checks (FIR/CSR status).
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) – 1913 Helpline Call 1913 and report encroachment on road/footpath/drain/park or tea stalls/carts blocking space; give exact address/landmark and brief description; ask for a complaint number or SMS acknowledgment. Civic encroachments on GCC-managed streets and public spaces; helpline complaints are entered into the PGRS system with a trackable ID.
GCC – Online Public Grievance Redressal System (PGRS) Use GCC’s online complaint portal (PGRS) to file under the appropriate category (e.g., encroachment/obstruction); fill address, ward/zone, description, and upload photos. The system generates a Complaint Number for tracking. Detailed written complaints on encroachment, tea shops/carts on footpaths, illegal structures on GCC land with online status checking and reopening if unresolved.
Namma Chennai App (Greater Chennai Corporation) Download Namma Chennai (GCC PGRS app) and raise a grievance with geo-tagged photos, location pin, and short description of encroachment; monitor progress in-app under your complaint ID. Mobile-first way to report encroachment on footpaths, roads, drains, public spaces; handy for attaching real-time photos and reopening if closed without action.
CMDA – Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (Planning/Building Violations) Submit complaints about unauthorized construction and layout encroachment in CMDA areas via CMDA’s publicized online/social media/email grievance system (as per CMDA website and press reports); include property address, survey details, and photos. Building violations, illegal additional floors, and encroachment on CMDA-controlled plots; CMDA can issue notices and demolition orders, often with High Court backing.
Chennai District / GCC Contact Page (for escalation) Use the Chennai District GCC contact page for office numbers and addresses if you need to escalate to zonal offices or the Commissioner; refer to your GCC complaint number. Escalation when repeated complaints via 1913/PGRS/Namma Chennai are marked “resolved” without actual removal on the ground.
Evidence (attach with any channel) For all of the above, include geotagged photos/videos, a Google Maps link, dates & times, clear explanation of what public space is encroached (road, footpath, drain, park, govt land), and any previous complaint numbers. Strong evidence, consistent references, and repeated follow-up (reopening GCC tickets, citing TN Police ref nos.) significantly improve the chances of real on-ground action.

How to Complaint Against Encroachment in Hyderabad?

In Hyderabad, encroachment on public roads, footpaths, drains, lakes, parks and government land is handled jointly by Telangana Police, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), planning bodies like HMDA, and the dedicated Hyderabad Disaster Response & Assets Protection Agency (HYDRAA). 

Authorities to Contact to File Trespass / Encroachment Complaint in Hyderabad

Resource / Agency How to report (what to include) Use for / Notes
Telangana Police – Emergency (112/100) Call 112/100 or visit the nearest police station; share address/Maps link, what is encroached (road/footpath/park/government plot/lake margin), and whether work is ongoing or blocking access. Ask for a GD/FIR/CSR number. Trespass or obstruction in progress, threats, or illegal construction happening in real time; often used alongside GHMC/HYDRAA/HMDA complaints.
Telangana Police – Online Petition / Citizen Portal Use the Telangana Police online petition/Citizen portal to file a non-emergency complaint; enter location, dates/times, full description, and upload photos/videos if available; note the online reference number. Digital trail for trespass/encroachment cases where you want written record and follow-up without always visiting the station.
GHMC – Helpline 21111111 & Call Centre 155304 Call 040-21111111 or 155304 and report encroachment on road/footpath/drain/park, giving exact address/landmark and a short description; ask for a complaint number or SMS. [source] Civic encroachments on GHMC roads, footpaths, drains, parks and public spaces; calls are fed into GHMC’s grievance system for routing to the right circle.
GHMC – Online Grievance Portal / Website Use the GHMC grievance page on the official website to submit a complaint (select relevant category like encroachment/road/drain); add address/Maps link, description, and photos; note the Grievance Reg. No. for tracking. For more detailed written complaints on encroachment, storm-water drains, road margins, markets, with online status checking.
GHMC – Citizen Service Centres Visit a GHMC Citizen Service Centre (e.g., Tank Bund head office) and file a written grievance with photos and location details; obtain a receipt with registration number. For those who prefer in-person filing or need help uploading documents; useful for larger encroachment cases requiring discussion.
HYDRAA – Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Protection Agency During weekly Prajavani hearings, submit complaints or representations on encroachments on government land, lakes, and public spaces; include location/Maps link, nature of encroachment, and photos/videos. HYDRAA is also rolling out an app to receive such complaints. Dedicated to protecting government assets and waterbodies; coordinates with revenue, HMDA, GHMC and police to demolish constructions on govt/lake land.
HMDA – Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority For encroachment on HMDA layouts, ORR corridors or HMDA-managed assets, email applicantsupport@hmda.gov.in / cfc@hmda.gov.in, or contact their help desks (e.g., LRS Help Desk 27018115, DPMS Help Desk 7331185149); share layout/site details, survey no., location, and evidence Planning/development-related encroachments on HMDA land, ORR corridors, lakes taken over by HMDA, etc.; HMDA can coordinate demolition with HYDRAA/revenue/police.
Telangana Prajavani / State Grievance Portal Use the Prajavani grievance portal (state-level) to file an online complaint about public land encroachment; include department (GHMC/HMDA/revenue), full location, narrative, and attachments. Track it with the grievance ID. State-level escalation when local responses are slow; HYDRAA has explicitly linked some public-land encroachment complaints to Prajavani hearings.
Evidence (attach with any channel) Always add geotagged photos/videos, a Google Maps link/pin, dates & times, clear description of what public space is encroached (road, lake buffer, park, drain, govt plot), and any previous complaint numbers. Strong, consistent evidence makes it easier for police, GHMC, HMDA and HYDRAA to coordinate inspections, issue notices, and carry out demolitions.

What Counts as Encroachment or Trespassing?

  • Trespassing = entering or remaining on someone else’s property without permission.
  • Encroachment = occupying, building on, or extending into land that isn’t yours, usually over time (a wall, a shed, a shop extension, a fence, etc.).
  • Private land – owned by an individual, family, company, housing society, etc.
  • Public / Government land – roads, footpaths, parks, lakebeds, drains, playgrounds, government plots, utility corridors (power, metro, pipelines), etc.
  • If your neighbour quietly pushes their boundary wall half a metre into your plot, that’s encroachment on private land.
  • If a shop builds steps or a ramp onto the public footpath, that’s encroachment on public land.
  • If someone forcefully enters your house compound and refuses to leave, that’s closer to trespass (with or without force).

FAQs About Report Trespassing or Encroachment on Public Land