Dispute over alleged illegal construction at Hathi Park in Sirsa

An alleged illegal construction on government land in Sirsa has raised concerns, in the area. After alleged encroachments on the city’s green belt, complaints have now emerged regarding unauthorised construction in major city parks, including the well-known Hathi Park (Udham Singh Park) at Surkhab Chowk. The local administration is yet to take any action.

Kartar Singh, a local complainant, has raised concerns about a Trust allegedly occupying government land in Hathi Park under the guise of an ambulance centre. He claims the Trust has been using the park for several years, and now, the area is being transformed into a dispensary.

Singh also alleged that the Executive Officer of the Sirsa Municipal Council issued a written permission for the construction of a concrete roof (lanter) over a shed intended for the ambulance centre. Singh questioned the legality of such a decision, as he believed the officer was not authorised to approve construction on government land.

Singh suspected that the construction was part of a larger plan to illegally occupy the park. He mentioned that the underground work was being carried out, including the laying of a concrete slab, which he argued was a clear indication of illegal encroachment. He demanded immediate action to halt the construction and warned the district administration that if no steps were taken, he would approach the court.

Gurvinder Singh, the president of the Bhai Kanhaiya Manav Sewa Trust, defended the Trust's actions. He explained that the ambulance centre in the 35'x15' area was operating legally since 2008, as per government orders. The centre served the public by providing free emergency services, including transportation for accident victims and those in need of medical care. Gurvinder added that the old shed had become delapidated, and in 2022, the trust received permission to replace it with a concrete structure. He clarified that no dispensary was being built; instead, the construction was for a store below and a place for ambulance drivers to sit upstairs.

Gurvinder Singh, a 52-year-old disabled social worker, was awarded the Padma Shri by the President of India for his community service. He firmly denied the accusations and emphasised that the Trust's work had always been in the service of the people.

Meanwhile, District Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma had acknowledged the issue and confirmed that an investigation was under way.