The Lands Department has so far confiscated 26 lots since boosting enforcement action against unauthorised structures on private agricultural land in 2014.

The department took over seven private agricultural lots of about 9,800 sq m in Kai Leng, Sheung Shui, last November alone, involving 17 unauthorised structures and 27 households.

The department's Principal Land Executive (District Lands Office, Yuen Long) Sum Chung-nam urged owners of private agricultural land to demolish unauthorised structures when warning letters are issued or face re-entry action without notice.

He said: "The Lands Department is determined to take resolute action against illegal structures on private agricultural land."

Senior Land Executive (Land Management) Lo Hok-wing said enforcing land laws has been made difficult due to the number of lots in large, dispersed areas and remote locations, and hidden illegal structures.

Handling the rehousing arrangements of affected residents and liaising with the local community also prolongs enforcement action, he added.

The department will provide assistance and will exercise discretion in exceptional circumstances.

"We understand affected residents have housing needs, therefore we will help arrange for them to move into a transit centre."

Principal Land Executive (Land Control & Lease Enforcement Section) Leung Yun-hing said a task force will be formed this financial year to handle difficult cases.

"The new task force can concentrate the resources of the department to handle those difficult cases."