Manali MC councillor disqualified over land encroachment

The Director of the Urban Development Department, Neeraj Kumar, has issued an order disqualifying Sunita Sharma, the Congress-backed Councillor and Vice-Chairperson of the Manali Municipal Council in Kullu district, following a complaint about illegal encroachment.

The action was prompted by a complaint from Mehar Singh to the Deputy Commissioner regarding illegal encroachment by Sunita Sharma. In response, the Deputy Commissioner initiated an inquiry, which was conducted by the Tehsildar. The investigation revealed that Sunita Sharma’s husband, Prem Sharma, had occupied government land in Ward No 3 and Sunita Sharma was found to be a beneficiary of the encroached land.

According to the order, Sunita Sharma was given a chance to present her defence, but she failed to provide any documents that could prove she was not a beneficiary of the encroached land. As a result, the Director of the Urban Development Department invoked Section 16 (2) (ii) of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act, 1994, and disqualified her immediately.

A copy of the order has been sent to the Executive Officer of the Manali Municipal Council by the Additional Director of the Urban Development Department for further action. Executive Officer Karun Bharmouria confirmed receipt of the order and stated that further action would be taken accordingly.