MOHALI: The Mohali MC commissioner has marked an inquiry to fix responsibility of officials for neglecting illegal constructions. An inquiry is being conducted by the MC commissioner and joint commissioner to identify the role of officials responsible for sanctioning building plans from 2018 to 2023. The role of present officials and those who were posted at Mohali MC during this period is under scrutiny.
Days after Sohana building collapse, the Mohali municipal corporation has put the role of their former MC officials, as well as the present officials, under scrutiny for neglect in checking and stopping illegal construction of buildings under MC limits.
MC commissioner T Benith said, “The inquiry in this regard is being conducted directly by me, supported by the joint commissioner, to fix the responsibility of those officials of the building branch responsible for checking and stopping the illegal construction of buildings under MC limits. We will scrutinise the period from 2018 to 2023 and will identify the officers on duty during this period and the projects they sanctioned. If found negligent, action as per law will be taken against them irrespective of the fact wherever they are posted now or transferred or have retired.”
MC is also conducting a survey to check illegal construction of buildings. The commissioner clarified that under MC bylaws, only a ground floor with three stories is allowed in commercial complexes and a ground floor with two stories is allowed in residential areas.
He said, “We have identified some of the buildings by now which have been constructed beyond the MC building bylaws, and notices to such violators have already been issued.”
The matter came up after a building in Sohana collapsed, killing two persons. During preliminary investigations, it was found that the building had no requisite clearances and sanctioned plans.
The MC commissioner also discovered another building in the same locality which had a ground floor and six floors, which was a clear of violation of building bylaws. The MC chief said notice to the owners has been issued and a reply is awaited before proceeding with action.
