PWD constructed parking courtyard on forestland in Hamirpur

Hamirpur, April 2

The PWD allegedly spent over Rs 2 lakh to make parking space and courtyard on the forestland in front of a restaurant in the town. The PWD had constructed this parking area on the forestland that was allegedly encroached upon by a restaurant owner earlier. The land was developed by the PWD on the pretext of constructing a footpath but later, the department constructed the courtyard for the restaurant along with the footpath.

LC Bandna, divisional forest officer, said she had allowed a passage to the restaurant through the forestland but not the construction of a courtyard on the identified land. Vivek Sharma, Executive Engineer of the PWD division, said the PWD had done cementing in the forest area for people. He said if the Forest Department objects, the PWD would clear the area. — OC