Encroachment grows on HUDA land in Panipat

Mukesh Tandon

Tribune News Service

Panipat, December 31

The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) seems to have failed to act against encroachers in residential and commercial areas of the city. According to HUDA’s annual report on removal of encroachment, the area encroached increased from 43 in January 2014, to 106 acres in October 2016.

Jugwinder Malik, member, GT Road Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, alleged HUDA officials failed to act due to which the encroachments increased.

A complaint against the encroachments on green belt and other areas of HUDA is also pending before the Lokayukta Haryana. It was filed by Rajender Rathi, an RTI activist.

Recently, a society allegedly encroached plots reserved for the economically weaker sections (EWS) in Sector 11. The society constructed 22 shops on reserved plot numbers 516 to 530. The shops were sealed by the HUDA on a complaint by a local resident.

Deepak Ghanghas, estate officer, HUDA said, “Actions has been taken against encroachers. A report has been sent to higher officials about the construction of the shops in Sector 11 on EWS plots. We are awaiting further directions.”

He said the department had issued notices on encroachers but maximum cases were pending in the courts.