Residents build homes on govt land in Joginder Nagar

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 17

The Municipal Corporation Patiala has been once again caught on the wrong foot over inaction against encroachers on public land at the Joginder Nagar area.

Despite repeated complaints and demolition orders, the civic body has failed to rein in illegal activity in the area.

In 2016, a demolition order (copy of which is available with The Tribune) was served to Baldev Singh to stop illegal construction of his house within seven days. 

However, he ignored the orders and illegally occupied 10 ft area of the public land. Taking undue advantage, another resident has also started illegal construction.

Jasbir Singh, a resident of the Joginder Nagar said, “I do not know why the civic body is not acting against the violators. Due to encroachments, a complete lane has been blocked.”

He said, “Now, I have written a letter to Navjot Singh Sidhu highlighting non serious approach of the civic body officials.”

Building Inspector Municipal Corporation, Saurav Khanna, said: “We have received a complaint related to the issue. After going through records, we found that there was no public land under the Town Planning Scheme. The said land is under private ownership.”

Infuriated residents claimed that a lane was earmarked in the masterplan, but now entire lane has been blocked due to encroachments.