55 shopkeepers encroached on corridors, reveals RTI

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 16

If the information provided by the Public Relations Officer of the Municipal Corporation is any indication, then about 55 shopkeepers, who have taken shops on rent in the shops owned by the Municipal Corporation at RR Bhardwaj market, opposite Sangeet Cinema, have conveniently encroached upon the corridors outside their shops.

The corridors or the verandahs are otherwise constructed for the convenience of general public.

The information was sought by RTI activist Simratpal Singh Kalsi of the Society for Public Welfare and Awareness. Kalsi has asked to provide information if it was true that the shopkeepers had encroached upon the verandahs (corridors) outside the shops located between Small Industries’ office to Pahwa Hospital Road, opposite Sangeet Cinema.

He also sought information about the action (notices sent or any other action) taken against encroachers. Further, Kalsi had asked to provide information about the officials and staff, who failed to take action against the encroachers.

As per the information provided by the Public Information Officer, Zone C, about 55 shopkeepers have encroached upon the corridors, meant for the convenience of the public.

On top of it, the MC authorities admit that these were not temporary, but permanent encroachments, which means that some kind of construction must have taken place in the corridors by private players (those on rent in MCs shops). As far as action taken is concerned or the officials under whose tenure the encroachments were done are concerned, the MC did not provide any information and said the matter was related to the building branch.