No check on illegal construction

Patiala, February 19

The construction of illegal buildings continues in the city. MC officials are reportedly had in glove with the violators. A two-storeyed commercial building, which was razed four months ago, is being constructed again, allegedly in connivance with MC officials.

One such construction project opposite the old tractor market on Bhera Road poses a throat to lives of nearby residents. Officials at the building branch in the Municipal Corporation (MC), who had earlier sealed and razed parts of the building, have now turned a blind eye towards it. 

As per sources, the construction is being carried out in connivance with officials at the building branch of the MC. The officials had initiate action against the construction work but later allegedly let in happen after receiving benefits. 

Nearby residents alleged that the illegal multi-storyed building posed a threat to their lives and property. “Three floors of the building have already been constructed. The entrance to the building is about 15-foot-wide and it is being constructed on 400 sq yards,” they alleged.

On Saturday, when the matter was brought to the notice of Davinder Sharma, who holds the charge of the Assistant Town Planner, he assure to look into it, but later did not respond to phone calls.

Area residents said the owner of the building had bought a number of houses. He started constructing the building after demolishing the houses. The owner did not take clearance for the construction work. 

MC Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira said, “We will question the officials concerned regarding the illegal construction. I will take stringent action against those found guilty.”