Page 75 - Muzaffargarh Gazzetteer

The occupier’s rates of the different canals were, however, revised by the
Government periodically. In the year 1952 the schedule of occupier's rate
applicable to the Muzaffargarh inundation canals was revised with effect
from Rabi 1952-53 vide Government notification No. 41327/R/167/1900,
dated the 15th September, 1950. Again in the year 1959 at the time of the
introduction of Thal and Taunsa canals, the schedule of occupier's rate was
revised vide notification No. 10/55/S.O.VIII(I)/59, dated the 23rd November,
1959. A further amendment in the occupiers’ rate of the various canals of
the district was introduced with effect from Kharif 1963 vide Government
notification No. 2/19-S.O.(Rev.)/63, dated the 5th December, 1963. For
details of occupiers rates imposed on the irrigated areas of the Rangpur,
Thal, Taunsa and inundation canals of the district, reference may be made
to the schedule of occupiers rates mentioned above. In districts of Sialkot,
Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Sargodha, Jhang, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dera
Ismail Khan, Bannu, Kohat and Mianwali where the period of the existing
assessment had expired, the Government had increased the land revenue
(both fixed and fluctuating) by 25% above the existing rates with effect from
Rabi 1962 vide its notification No. 1994-62/975-R(S), dated 20th June,
1962. Since the term of settlement in Muzaffargarh District had not expired
by then, the 25% increase of land revenue was not imposed in the district.

Fourth Settlement
As stated in foregoing paragraphs, the last settlement in the District
Muzaffargarh was completed in the year 1925-26, and the next settlement
operations were accordingly due in the year 1965. Unfortunately, it never
occurred. A settlement took place in Tehsil Kot Addu in 1958 though, vide
Notification No.5772/57/3580 dated 30.01.1958 and subsequent
Notification No. 2659/71/85 dated 26.11.1971. After creation of Thal
Development Authority (TDA), the land was acquired from the big owners,
under slab system developed by the TDA, and settlement was made for the
newly created chaks and mauzas under the said Notification. The settlement
work of 314 chakuk/mauzas of Tehsil Kot Addu was completed by
30.06.1983.

Consolidation
After the conclusion of the process of settlement, the owners of land
necessitated consolidating their fragmented land parcels to create
sustainable and rational land tenures. The Punjab Consolidation of Holdings
Ordinance, 1960 was therefore promulgated for consolidation of holdings in
the province.

The consolidation of the land started in the district in 1960 under the
supervision of Consolidation Officer, who was in turn subordinate to the
Additional Deputy Commissioner (Consolidation). The latter has now been
renamed as Collector Consolidation, and reports to the Commissioner Dera
Ghazi Khan Division. Data of consolidated villages of the district is as follows:

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