Illegal construction goes on at Kiran Vihar despite notice

An illegal construction is going on at Kiran Vihar Colony, Pakhowal Road, on a piece of land designated for a community centre. The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) had issued a notice to halt the ongoing work, but not caring two hoots about law, the construction is still going on and the authorities have failed to check the activity.

In their complaint submitted to Chief Administrator of GLADA, area residents have pointed out that the plot had been reserved for a community centre in the original layout plan. The land was reportedly transferred in 2007 by late coloniser Balbir Singh Pujani in the name of his daughter Poonamdeep Kaur with the stipulation that it be used solely for community purposes. Residents have also attached a copy of the land registry with the complaint, confirming the condition.

An area resident said, “Despite their complaint and GLADA officials coming for inspection yesterday, the construction was still going on even today. They are paying no heed to the notices and without any fear the construction is being carried on in violation of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Building Rules, 2021,” said an area resident.

The land is earmarked for the community purposes and only a community centre should come up here, said the residents.

Junior Engineer Amandeep Singh, member of GLADA’s regulatory wing, said that they went to the site and a notice had been issued to stop the construction. Now, a second notice will be served to stop the construction and the police help will be sought to stop the illegal activity as despite notice, the construction is still going on.

GLADA officials further added that if valid ownership documents and building permissions were not produced within seven days, then legal action would be initiated.