MC removes kiosks built illegally on civic land near Sikandari Gate

A fresh case of encroachment has surfaced near Sikandari Gate, where kiosks are being set up illegally on a piece of land that has remained vacant for the past 35 years. On Friday, workers were seen erecting an iron roof on the spot, reportedly to establish three kiosks.

Estate Wing officials claim that the land belongs to the Municipal Corporation. However, the civic body’s land records do not show any allotment or permission for kiosks at the site. Officials recalled that nearly eight years ago, a similar attempt had been made by private individuals to set up kiosks on the same plot. That encroachment was removed by the Estate Wing of the MC at that time.

As per the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, no illegal kiosks can be allowed to come up on public land. Despite this, fresh construction activity has raised concerns among residents of the area, who fear that unauthorised kiosks may lead to further encroachment and misuse of civic property.

The matter was brought to the notice of Central Assembly constituency MLA Ajay Gupta. Taking cognisance, the MLA immediately instructed MC’s Estate Officer Dharminderjeet Singh to stop the ongoing work and initiate strict action against the violators.

MLA Gupta said no form of illegal activity would be tolerated in the Central constituency. “Public land belongs to the people, and any attempt to encroach upon it will be dealt with firmly,” he asserted. The residents have urged the civic authorities to maintain regular vigil in the area so that such attempts at illegal construction can be curbed at the earliest. Estate Officer Singh said no one would be allowed to encroach the government’s land in the city.