Over 70 illegal buildings in F’bad may face demolition

FARIDABAD: As many as 77 illegal constructions in the three zones of NIT, Old Faridabad and Ballabgarh may soon face demolition as the Commissioner of the Faridabad Municipal Corporation has directed the respective joint commissioners to take immediate action in this regard.

An illegal banquet hall in the Surajkund region, Faridabad.

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, January 31

As many as 77 illegal constructions in the three zones of NIT, Old Faridabad and Ballabgarh may soon face demolition as the Commissioner of the Faridabad Municipal Corporation has directed the respective joint commissioners to take immediate action in this regard.

Earlier, two senior officials, including an Executive Engineer, were placed under suspension for not acting against those who continued construction activities in violation of norms.

According to a survey conducted by the MC recently, commercial buildings have come up in residential areas, green belts have been encroached upon at several places and additional floors have been constructed without taking prior permission from the authorities concerned.

The Joint Commissioner of the Ballabgarh zone was recently issued a show-cause notice over his failure to submit an inquiry report against an SDO in connection with unauthorised constructions in his area. The SDO had been suspended a fortnight ago.

“I have ordered action against all unauthorised constructions detected in a survey carried out recently,’’ said Commissioner Anita Yadav.

On a drive against illegal construction of farmhouses and other buildings in the Surajkund zone of the Aravallis, she said action would soon be taken.

Earlier, former Commissioner Mohammed Shayin had also taken up a similar drive and issued notices to 140 illegal farmhouses near Anangpur village of Surajkund. However, his transfer in December halted the further process.

Social activist Varun Sheokand, who had filed two petitions in the NGT last year against illegal constructions, alleged that there had been a surge in illegal constructions in the city, especially in the Surajkund region. The NGT had also imposed a fine of Rs 1.88 crore on a private company for indulging in illegal construction on 54 acre.

‘Norms flouted’

Commercial buildings have come up in residential areas, green belts have been encroached upon at several places and additional floors have been constructed without taking prior permission from the authorities. I have ordered immediate action against all such constructions. —Anita Yadav, Commissioner, Faridabad MC