ASI to start demarcation of land tomorrow

Sanjay Bumbroo

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, March 23

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) will start demarcation of the land between Baltana in Zirakpur and Abhaypur village, Sector 19, Panchkula, from Monday. The survey is being undertaken by the ASI to solve the territorial dispute over land at Abhaypur village and Baltana. 

The ASI has asked revenue officials of Panchkula and Mohali to be present during demarcation of the land. The ASI had further stated that both Punjab and Haryana would have to construct six pillars on both sides of the demarcated land in presence of its officials. 

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had asked the ASI, which had sought four months time, to submit the report after completing the demarcation of land within two months. 

The ASI has also submitted the estimated cost of Rs 29.50 lakh for conducting survey in order to demarcate the disputed land. Both Haryana and Punjab will have to deposit Rs 14.75 lakh each with the ASI, which will go towards meeting the expenses of the survey. 

It is pertinent to mention here that five meetings of revenue officials in the presence of administrative officers of Panchkula as well as Mohali district were held during the past two months. Every time revenue officials sought records of the land in the year 1954 from Punjab revenue officials, but the latter failed to submit the same.

The controversy over the disputed land came to the fore when Baltana resident Bhagwant Singh along with others filed a petition in the High Court after Panchkula Municipal Corporation constructed a boundary wall near the CID office. 

Subsequently, the High Court summoned officials of the HSVP and PUDA. The High Court directed financial commissioners of the two states to form a district-level committee headed by Deputy Commissioners of Panchkula and Mohali recently.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula, Balkar Singh, said, “We have received a demand notice of Rs 14.75 lakh and sent it to the higher authorities for approval. As soon as we get an approval the amount will be transferred to the ASI.”

Revenue officials told to be present

The Archeological Survey of India has asked revenue officials of Panchkula and Mohali to be present during demarcation of the land. The ASI had further stated that both Punjab and Haryana would have to construct six pillars on both sides of the demarcated land in presence of its officials.