Amid promises to remove encroachments, MC struggles to reclaim its properties

Exactly two months ago when Ram Pal Uppal was elected the Mayor of Phagwara, he promised to launch a large-scale drive to remove illegal encroachments across the city. However, the Phagwara Municipal Corporation’s ability to effectively clear such encroachments remains questionable, as the civic body has struggled even to reclaim its own properties from long-standing illegal occupants.

Advertisement

One of the most glaring examples is the prolonged illegal occupation of the Nagar Council’s guesthouse by the police for the past 32 years. The premises, which now house the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP), were originally designated as a guest house. Despite multiple directives over the years, no authority within the Municipal Corporation has been able to evict the police from the property.

Sources reveal that the erstwhile Nagar Council had passed resolutions and submitted a memorandum to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) and the Principal Secretary of Local Bodies more than 18 years ago, urging action to vacate the guest house. Although a new police complex, including offices and residences, has been constructed near Gurdwara Sukhchain Sahib, the law enforcement authorities have expressed no desire to get the premises vacated.

When approached for comment, Phagwara SP Rupinder Kaur Bhatti feigned ignorance. She said she had recently assumed office and had not been directed by the Municipal Corporation to vacate the guest house. In addition, the police have been occupying land belonging to the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) at the Phagwara bus stand, using it for the operation of the Traffic Police unit for several years.

Another significant case of unauthorised occupation involves the City Club, which has been occupying a large portion of the corporation’s premises for the past 49 years. The club’s lease expired in 1976, yet it continues to operate from the premises. The Deputy Commissioner of Kapurthala, who serves as the club’s permanent president, is yet to take steps to either regularise the lease or vacate the space.

Earlier, the club paid a token rent of Re 1 per month, which was later increased to Rs 100 by then Nagar Council president Kharaiti Lal Gaba 24 years ago. However, the present rental value of the space exceeds Rs 3 lakh per month. The Municipal Corporation authorities state that the club has neither renewed its lease nor agreed to revise the rent. However, the officials have assured that they will soon address the matter. When contacted, Phagwara Municipal Corporation Commissioner Dr Akshita Gupta acknowledged the issue but said that she had recently assumed charge and would thoroughly investigate the matter.