Vigilance inspects offices of civic body, Improvement Trust

Harinder Singh Khaira

Patiala, May 24

A special Vigilance team from the Punjab Local Bodies Department today conducted a surprise check at the Patiala Improvement Trust and Municipal Corporation (MC) offices.

The team also visited five commercial sites in the city, out of which three are under construction. It was led by Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) Sudeep Singh.

The team members took along with them relevant records from both offices. The checking was conducted following complaints received by the Local Bodies Department regarding alleged malpractices in both offices over various issues.

The team reached the Improvement Trust building around 10 am and checked the files of newly-built flats at SST Nagar. Allottees of the plots have filed complaints with the Local Bodies Department after the alleged delay in handing over the possession of flats as per the agreement.

Later, the team reached the MC office and held a meeting with officials regarding the details of properties that have been encroached upon and also made illegally.

The members also visited five sites in the city for the verification of construction work being done by owners. Following the visit, two buildings have been sealed by local MC officials.

CVO Sudeep Singh refused to give any details about the checking and said the team would submit the report to the higher authorities for further course of action.

Two buildings sealed

Immediately after the visit of the special Vigilance team, Patiala Municipal Corporation (MC) officials swung into action and sealed two buildings in the city. One of the buildings has been sealed at the local Gurbax Colony and another was located at the Bhupindra road.

Patiala Municipal Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Khaira said: “Complaints of illegal construction have been regularly reported to MC officials. Acting tough on these complaints, we have sealed both buildings that were flouting norms.”

Khaira said they would not tolerate any encroachment or illegal construction in the city and strict action, including demolition of illegal part of the building, would be taken against the violators.