The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all 77 district administrations to submit reports of illegally occupied government and public lands in their respective areas.

Issuing a notice on Wednesday, the ministry asked all district administrations to submit their reports on all the government and public lands illegally occupied and misused so that the government can take action against those guilty.

The ministry also asked the local units and concerned agencies to take legal action against all those involved in the unlawful use of government properties.

“It has been found that various incidents of government lands, leased for specific purposes, have been illegally encroached and used for purposes different than the stated at the time of agreement with the government [if any],” reads the notice issued by the ministry.

The government has prioritised regaining the authority of such areas and taking legal actions against all those found guilty, the ministry said.

The ministry also requested anyone with information or proof against those involved in such encroachment to report to the district administration office concerned.