SBS Nagar residents raise voice against illegal construction

Kuldip Bhatia

Ludhiana, November 23

The illegal construction of commercial units in the residential area of Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar on Pakhowal road here is going on unabated.

Illegal passages are being provided on the rear of the residential houses (towards main road) for conversion of these properties into commercial establishments with impunity. In many cases, even the grills put up on the foot paths are being pulled down to make these properties accessible from the main road.

Harassed by the illegal construction, increasing traffic due to commercial activity and illegal change of land use by the allottees, the residents have lodged a complaint with the Principal Secretary, Local Government, Punjab, and the Chief Vigilance Officer, Local Government, Punjab, seeking their intervention in stopping the fast commercialisation of the residential colony.

The affected residents said in some parts of the colony, two to three residential plots had been clubbed together to raise commercial complexes in violation of the terms and conditions of the allotment. Despite lodging complaints, no action has apparently been taken to check the menace of illegal commercial construction in the colony, they said.

“The worst part is that the very officials who are supposed to regulate construction and ensure compliance with the building bylaws are conniving with the unscrupulous builders and are in a way promoting illegal commercial activity in the colony,” said a complaint.

The residents have demanded a high-level enquiry into the violation of building bylaws, illegal change of land use and violation of terms and conditions of allotment of residential plots. At the same time, responsibility of the officials be fixed and strict disciplinary action taken against delinquent and negligent employees and officials, they added.