Illegal liquor vend sealed after public outcry over tree chopping in Rani Ka Bagh area

A recently opened liquor vend in Rani Ka Bagh was sealed following a joint operation by the Municipal Town Planning (MTP) wing and the Estate Department of the Amritsar Municipal Corporation here on Wednesday.

The liquor vend, which was set up illegally, came under scrutiny after Senior Deputy Mayor Priyanka Sharma raised concerns over its unauthorised construction. The issue drew further attention when it was discovered that a tree on the footpath had been illegally chopped to provide more visibility to liquor shop. The incident sparked outrage among local residents and environmental groups, who are calling for accountability and stricter enforcement of laws protecting public spaces and greenery.

Despite several complaints of chopping of the tree and the setting up of the liquor vend, no action had been taken initially. Senior Deputy Mayor Priyanka Sharma visited the site, where she stayed for nearly two hours, demanding to see valid documents such as a licence, permission letter and GST number from the vend operators. However, no documents were reportedly provided.

Following this, Sharma apprised the higher authorities of the matter. Later in the evening, social activist Mandeep Singh Manna, along with environmentalists and local supporters, staged a protest at the site, demanding strict action against the illegal establishment.

Taking cognizance of the chopping of the tree, MC Joint Commissioner Jai Inder Singh directed the Horticulture Department to file a police complaint in this regard. Subsequently, the Civil Lines Police registered a case against unidentified individuals on charges of tree chopping and theft. Investigation into the matter has been initiated.

The sealing was executed by Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Parminder Jeet Singh, Building Inspector Manish Arora, Draftsman Navdeep Kumar from the MTP wing and Estate Officer Dharaminder Jeet Singh along with their team.