PANCHKULA: In the last three months, the district administration has razed one of the six illegal colonies identified. Besides, complaints for FIRs were filed for five other colonies and 14 other illegal structures were issued notices. The administration has formed a task team to act against such illegal constructions.
In a recent meeting of the district-level task force formed to tackle illegal encroachments and unauthorised colonies, deputy commissioner Monica Gupta issued a clear mandate to departments concerned to eliminate illegal construction in the district.
She also directed the officials to ensure that illegal encroachments do not reoccur after removal and stressed the importance of timely intervention to prevent illegal construction. She also emphasised that all rules and regulations must be applied equally, with no room for discrimination, particularly when it comes to the sale of agricultural land.
She called for strict adherence to regulations and directed the district revenue officer to inform the district town planner regarding any sale deeds after registration. The DC directed the public works department (buildings and roads) to provide regular updates on action taken against illegal construction under various applicable laws, including the Periphery Control Act and Punjab Scheduled Roads and Controlled Areas Irregular Development Restriction Act 1963.
The DC also asked the police department to closely monitor areas where illegal structures were demolished to ensure that no new construction occurs without prior authorisation. She also asked the executive engineers of the NHAI and PWD to act against encroachments within restricted areas along scheduled roads and submit reports on their efforts.
The DC stressed the importance of timely FIR registration by the police in cases of illegal encroachment and called for coordination between the district town planner office and the police to ensure a successful anti-encroachment campaign.
