GMADA orders owners to demolish illegal complex

Tribune news service
Ropar, January 8

In fresh trouble for the owners of an upcoming shopping complex at Patti village on the Anandpur Sahib-Nangal NH 503 (extension), the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has issued a notice asking them to demolish illegal construction within 30 days.

A team of GMADA officials today visited the site and pasted the notice issued by the Additional Chief Administrator on walls of the complex.

GMADA Sub Divisional Officer (Regulatory) Harpreet Singh said those intending to carry out construction activity beyond the ‘lal dora’ of villages were required to obtain permission from his office.

By taking up construction activity without permission, the land owners had violated the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995.

He said the offenders had been given a chance to demolish the construction, failing which GMADA would take appropriate action against them.

The authorities might demolish the structure and lodge a criminal case against the offenders, he added.

The action comes after The Tribune in these columns highlighted the illegality on January 4. Some property dealers had purchased the land from owners and started construction of nearly 40 shops and two restaurants on the edge of the highway.

The Punjab Urban Development Authority rules prohibit any permanent construction within 100 feet from such roads.