‘Illegal’ felling of trees at Lalru: Role of civic body chief, then EO under spotlight

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 11

Alleged illegal felling of trees on the shamlat land in Kolimajra village under the Lalru Municipal Council has put the role of MC president Bindu Rana and then Executive Officer Ashok Kumar under the spotlight.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (Urban Development) Pooja Syal has submitted an interim report to the Principal Secretary, Local Government, highlighting the role of the officials which led to loss to exchequer. It reportedly also mentions how due procedure laid down by the Forest Department and the MC was not followed.

The administration officials have also written to the police to take action against the bidder. The final report will be submitted within a week.

Dera Bassi MLA NK Sharma said, “We will approach the High Court if an FIR is not registered against the MC president and the then Executive Officer. Police action against the contractor is not enough. MC president Bindu Rana was present on the spot.”

Replying to the MLA’s charges, Bindu Rana’s husband Mukesh Rana said, “An FIR should instead be filed against NK Sharma who is trying to stop the process of providing shelter to the poor and homeless on this land.”

On November 25, Sharma had flagged the issue and later met Mohali DC Isha Kalia seeking action against the erring officials. “MC officials, in order to benefit near and dear ones, had sold these trees worth about Rs2 crore for just Rs2.25 lakh,” the MLA had alleged. “Trees with a diameter of about two-and-a-half feet were cut. It was done without the Forest Department’s nod,” he had said.