Cinema on Red Cross land illegal, claims BJP councillor

Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, January 14

A prominent businessman is constructing a mini-cinema on Red Cross land, which he has taken on lease, without getting the building plan (map) approved from the Nagar Council (NC).

Sarjiwan Jindal, a BJP councillor and former senior vice-president of the NC, claimed: “Officers of the Nagar Council and Red Cross are involved. Local Government Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu, who always make big claims to set things right, must prove his sincerity by taking strict action in this matter.”

As Red Cross secretary Sudhir Moudgil and NC employees, including a clerk and a Junior Engineer (JE), were on leave today, the present staff refused to share the details of the lessee.

Piara Singh, who is supervising the construction of the mini-cinema and employee of the lessee, also refused to share the details of his boss.

Sources said that around six months ago, the local Red Cross authorities had signed an agreement with a private contractor to give the land on lease to generate income for their daily needs. After signing the agreement, the lessee started construction without bothering to get the map approved.

“No file relating to Red Cross mini-cinema has been put up before me for the map’s approval. The construction can start only after the NC approves the map,” said Buta Singh, Assistant Municipal Engineer, NC.

As per procedure, any person willing to construct a building needs to submit the map, along with other documents, with the NC for approval. Subsequently, a JE and other officers visit the site to ascertain whether or not the proposed building can be constructed.

“They (the lessee) have submitted the fee and completed all formalities after signing the lease agreement with us. I am unaware whether or not the map has been approved. Only secretary Moudgil can give you the details. But he is on leave today as his mother has passed away,” said Neeru, an employee of Red Cross.

Malerkotla Executive Officer Kulbir Singh Brar, who has the additional charge of the NC, first feigned ignorance of the matter. But after getting the details, he assured this correspondent to call back. But later, he did not answer the calls.

DC Ghanshyam Thori said, “The income from the Red cross property is used for the welfare of residents. As per the lease agreement, the lessee is required to adhere to all rules. He has already applied for approvals with the NC. But if there is any violation, I will look into the matter.”