Survey of illegal buildings launched in Surajkund area

Bijendra Ahlawat

Tribune News Service

Faridabad, February 5

The Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) has launched a survey of illegal constructions in the Surajkund area of the city falling under the protected forest land of the Aravallis, it is reported.

The authorities concerned had earlier detected a large number of farmhouses, banquet halls and other buildings that had come up in the area and had issued notices.

“A team of officials has been deputed to detect violations that had come up in the area after the imposition of the Punjab Land Protection Act (PLPA) 1900 under which change of land use is not allowed after 1992,” said an official of the MCF on the condition of anonymity.

He said the team is expected to submit its report within a fortnight. Action may be taken after the conclusion of the ongoing International Crafts Mela. This is the second time in the past one year when illegal constructions in the PLPA zone of Surajkund have come under the spotlight.

Earlier, as many as 140 farmhouses near Anangpur village here had been found illegal and the then Commissioner, Mohammed Shayin, had announced to go for demolition after issuance of notices. However, his transfer last December had put brakes on the drive.

“The latest move has come after the reported tough stand taken by the present Commissioner, MCF, Anita Yadav, who recently ordered the Joint Commissioners of all the zones of the city to demolish all unauthorised constructions in their respective zones,” said sources.

While an unauthorised multi-storeyed commercial building was razed in Ballabgarh city recently, the officials concerned, including the Joint Commissioners of all the three zones, have been warned of action in case of the presence of unauthorised constructions, it is revealed.

“Of the 10,000 acres of PLPA land in the district, over 4,000 acres are located in Surajkund area, which include Kant Enclave,” said Sanjiv Mann, Senior Town Planner.