AIT removes encroachments in New Amritsar

Amritsar, July 19

The Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT) removed iron grills from illegal enclosures built upon the green belt outside houses in Bhai Gurdas Ji Nagar, a 340 acre scheme commonly known as New Amritsar, here today. Residents of the area opposed the AIT’s move. They resisted teams of the AIT while the latter removed iron grills. The police force accompanying teams of the AIT pacified residents. Officials of the AIT claimed that the action was taken on the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Punjab Haryana High Court to remove green belt built outside houses in New Amritsar. During hearing of the PIL, the High Court issued an order to remove all encroachments.

In January this year, the AIT had issued notices to 600 house owners to remove encroachments or get ready to face action. The AIT also made public announcements in the area to remove grills installed by residents on the public land. The AIT had set a deadline to implement the High Court directions by July 29, but only a few residents removed encroachments on their own.

The High Court had also asked the AIT to submit the compliance report. Many residents gathered and protested against the move of AIT. They also had heated argument with officials of the AIT.

Residents alleged that initially officials had allowed them to encroach the government land. “Public announcements were made that encroachment on the greed belt will be removed today. If people are aware that encroachments on the government land are illegal, then why are they opposing AIT’s move? If anyone tries to disrupt AIT’s move, action would be taken against him/her,” said an AIT official.