Activists: Remove encroachments that surfaced in AIT ex-chief Dinesh Bassi’s tenure

Tribune News Service

Charanjit Singh Teja

Amritsar, July 7

Activists and residents today sought removal of encroachments that came up during the tenure of Amritsar Improvement Trust’s (AIT) former Chairman Dinesh Bassi. A number of illegal kiosks were installed in the green belts of Ranjit Avenue, Nehru Shopping Complex and New Amritsar, all areas being administrated by the AIT.

Illegal kiosks came up in green belt

• A number of illegal kiosks were installed in the green belts of Ranjit Avenue, Nehru Shopping Complex and New Amritsar
• The corridors of Nehru Shopping Complex have been encroached by a theme-based restaurant franchise
• An illegal kiosk in the corridor of the Nehru complex blocks entry of stairs and lift to the upper floors of the building

The corridors of Nehru Shopping Complex have been encroached by a theme-based restaurant franchise and other shopkeepers. An illegal kiosk came up in the corridor of the Nehru complex, which blocked the entry of stairs and lift to the upper floors of the building.

Suresh Sharma, former district president of AAP and RTI activist, alleged, “Bassi encouraged encroachers during his tenure. The corridor of the Nehru Shopping Complex is encroached upon by a Rajasthani restaurant. An illegal Verka booth has also been set up there. The authorities should take action against these encroachments as it is not in the interest of the city.”

Besides, several footpaths and sidewalks have been encroached upon by vendors at Ranjit Avenue.

“The authorities should take strict action on politically patronised encroachments conducted during SAD-BJP and Congress tenures. Verka booths were illegally set up in Rambagh, Guru Nanak Hospital and Medical College during the SAD government. The house line of Lawrence Road was encroached by a prominent sweet shop owner,” said advocate Kuljit Singh of Maharaja Ranjit Singh Virasat Manch.

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