Local bodies dept seeks status report on encroachments

LUDHIANA: The local bodies department of state government has asked the municipal corporation (MC) to submit a status report of encroachments it has removed by January 29.
Sources say acting on the directions of Punjab and Haryana High Court, the MC conducted anti-encroachment drive to raze infringements on the schedule roads and national highways falling under its jurisdiction.
Directed to submit the report in this matter to the court, director of the local bodies department SK Sharma has sent a communique to MC officers across the state, asking them to submit the details in a standardized performa by January 29. Sharma has also asked them to erect MC boards on the cleared plots and also on those encroached so that action could be taken against the violators.
Meanwhile, sources in the MC reveal that the letter has landed the civic body in a fix. Pointing out that they have demolished illegal structures from many areas and that many others remain to be razed, civic body authorities say it is impossible for them prepare the report within the given time.
Further, they also believe that it is not feasible for them to put up the boards in a few days as it a huge process. Hence, MC is planning to seek some more time from the director, adds sources.
Confirming that they have received the letter, senior town planner (STP) AS Tuli says, “We are filing the reply.”