‘Legal’ structures demolished in Ambala Cantt, Vij orders probe

Manish Sirhindi

Tribune News Service

Ambala, August 12

The district civic authority that had been carrying out demolition drives in various markets of Ambala in compliance with the High Court directives yesterday demolished a few structures which were reportedly ‘legal’.

A few hours after the teams of the Ambala Municipal Corporation returned after removing 74 encroachments from the Idgah road, Health Minister Anil Vij reached the area without any security cover and interacted with people whose buildings were brought down by the civic authorities.

After listening to the issues raised by them, the minister called up Deputy Commissioner MS Brar and asked him to order an inquiry to look into the allegations levelled against the AMC authorities by the locals that some legal buildings were also brought down by the authorities.

He said the authorities should not be reckless in bringing down structures and ensure that only illegal buildings were razed. He said ample time should be given to the residents before taking action and no buildings should be razed without serving a prior notice to the occupants.

In compliance with the orders issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the district authorities have been undertaking massive anti-encroachments drives in various markets of Ambala Cantonment.

The HC had ordered removal of encroachments and illegal constructions on government land, roads and class ‘C’ land whether made by residents or by the municipal corporation in contravention to the zoning plan of the Ambala Cantonment civil area.