HUDA mulls action against slum dwellers

Nitish Sharma

Tribune News Service

Ambala, March 27

The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) has decided to take strict action against jhuggi dwellers after they failed to vacate prime land of the authority.

The authority has asked the slum dwellers to shift to Ashiana flats, low-cost houses constructed by HUDA, else they will face action.

The authority had constructed 1,640 flats under the Ashiana project to get its land free from encroachments made by the jhuggi dwellers. The project was started in 2008 in Sectors 33 and 34 of Ambala Cantonment and the construction was completed in 2011 at a cost of Rs 60.47 crore.

In 2014, 200 flats were allotted and second allotment of 134 flats was made in October last year. Those who were allotted the flats in 2014 have not paid their instalments, while several other allottees, who were allotted flats in October, have not taken possession.

Some other cases have also come to the notice where the jhuggi dwellers have given their Ashiana flats to some other people on lease and they themselves are living in jhuggis.

Subhash Sihag, SDM, who has the charge of Estate Officer of HUDA, said: “A last chance has been given to them as HUDA has planned to allot all remaining Ashiana flats by second week of April. People, including BPL, who had applied for the flats in 2008, will be given priority. Those who will not leave the jhuggis will be dealt with firmly. Besides this, HUDA will take action against those who have not paid their instalments”.

Deputy Commissioner Prabhjot Singh said: “Efforts are being made to shift all Jhuggi dwellers to the Ashiana flats. A large number of jhuggis have come up near the old grain market in the city. We have received complaints from local residents regarding these people. Also, they have been stealing power. The administration will cancel the flats of all those who have given their flats on lease.”

Meanwhile, Himmat Singh, Councillor from ward 9, said “Out of nearly 2,500 jhuggis near the old grain market in the city, nearly 1,200 are permanent. They have been expressing inability to shift as the Ashiana flats are far away from their place and it will affect their work. The administration must provide some land in nearby area to avoid inconvenience.”