Bulldozer clears illegal construction in Sirsa

In Sirsa city, the government has started using bulldozers to remove illegal constructions in the green belt and government parks. On Thursday, the Municipal Council team demolished a new construction work on a temporary tin shed made by a local trust near Hathi Park. The action was taken after The Tribune reported the issue in detail, which led to the removal of these illegal constructions. Notices have also been sent to other places where similar illegal constructions have been made.

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The construction in question was a temporary shed built by the Bhai Kanhaiya Seva Trust, which was in place for several years. The shed was used to park an ambulance that offered free services. However, the trust had no permission to build a permanent structure there.

The Municipal Engineer, Anil Mohil, explained that the trust had only applied for permission to place a roof over the shed, not for constructing a building. Without proper permission, the construction on government land cannot proceed unless the land is transferred.

On Thursday, an earthmoving machine was used to break down the foundation and walls of the construction, halting the work. The Trust members asked for permission to rebuild, but officials insisted that they first show proof of the permission for the initial construction.

Despite claims from the Trust that they had proper documents, the local administration stood firm, citing that the construction was illegal and could not continue. The case had already been brought to the attention of the higher authorities 10 days earlier, which led to a temporary halt in construction. Yet, work had resumed recently, prompting the demolition.

Kartar Singh, a local whistleblower, and others, expressed their gratitude for the government's action, hoping it would serve as a warning to others who occupy government land illegally. He called for similar action on the green belt, where several illegal constructions have been made with political support.

Although the High Court had previously ordered a halt to any construction in these areas last year, illegal activity continued, with local political figures allegedly backing the encroachments. The recent bulldozer action has sparked hope that the administration is finally serious about protecting Sirsa's green spaces and preventing further illegal occupation of government land.