Survey of constructions begins at Kansal village

Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Mohali, March 5

Three days after the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered demolition of structures falling in the catchment area of Sukhna Lake, the district administration, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and the Municipal Council, Nayagaon, today started the survey of structures in Kansal village.

Announcements are also being made amid beating of drums to caution residents about structures, which would be demolished in the wake of the High Court order.

The Municipal Council razed three under construction structures, which were being built in violation of the catchment area jurisdiction.

Sources said Nayagaon MC revenue records reveal that in the past decade, only 500 building plans have been approved whereas over 2,500 dwellings have been constructed in the area. The district administration will also find out that when the building plans were not approved, how power, water and sewerage connections were provided to the land owners.

While confirming the same, Jagjit Singh, Executive Officer, Nayagaon MC, said they had demolished three structures on Wednesday and were also making announcement by beating drums to caution residents against carrying out construction activity in the area. He said about 400 structures have been identified in various societies, including Sukhna Enclave and Tribune Society. He said even though the SDM had directed to complete the survey within one month, they would complete the survey soon.

Meanwhile, officials of the district administration and the Nayagaon MC, under the supervision of Aashika Jain, officiating Deputy Commissioner, and GMADA officials under the supervision of Kavita Singh Chief Administrator of the authority, held marathon meetings with senior town and country planning officers to study the blueprints of Kansal village and ascertain the number of constructions existing in the village. Later, the CM was apprised of the ground reality of the constructions in Kansal.

Sarvjit Singh, Vice-Chairman-cum-Principal Secretary, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Punjab, said they had started the survey of the constructions in Kansal besides checking the blueprints of the area to ascertain the number of structures falling in the Sukhna catchment area. He said the state government had directed them to submit a report as soon as possible.

Officiating DC Aashika Jain said the district administration would ensure compliance of the High Court order through the Municipal Council concerned. She said the Nayagaon MC Executive Officer was directed to make announcements regarding the HC order in the area so as to ensure awareness and prevention of any further violation.

She has sought a report from SDM Himanshu Jain on the total number of structures in the area and the number of building plans approved.