Ludhiana: MC demolishes boundary wall of colonies, residents decry move
Residents strongly opposed the demolition, claiming that it put their safety at risk; they argued that with the road now open, criminals would have easy access to their colony and could escape quickly after committing crimes; some residents accused the civic body of acting under political pressure rather than considering their security concerns
After two unsuccessful attempts, the municipal corporation (MC) finally demolished the boundary wall of colonies blocking the link between Rahon Road with Tajpur-Bhamian road and Chandigarh Road on Thursday. The move, which aimed to ease traffic congestion, was met with strong opposition from locals who argued that it compromised their security.
According to officials, the operation was carried out early hours of the morning, with MC officials and district police arriving at the site.
Heavy police forces were deployed. However, residents attempted to halt the demolition by citing a stay order, but police, after examining the document, found no mention of the municipal corporation or any restriction on removing the wall.
Despite protests, MC workers went ahead with the demolition, also removing the main gate of the colony. The wall had been constructed by private developers of Jain Colony and Bhagya Homes.
Residents strongly opposed the demolition, claiming that it put their safety at risk. They argued that with the road now open, criminals would have easy access to their colony and could escape quickly after committing crimes. Some residents accused the civic body of acting under political pressure rather than considering their security concerns.
MC officials defended the move, stating that opening the road would significantly ease traffic congestion at Basti Jodhewal Chowk. They argued that the new link would help commuters save time and improve access in case of emergencies.
Notably, this was the MC’s third attempt to remove the wall. The first demolition on November 25, 2024, was swiftly reversed when residents rebuilt it within 24 hours. A second attempt on January 17, 2025, resulted in only partial demolition, as officials were forced to retreat due to resistance. However, this time, with legal backing and police support, the civic body ensured the wall was permanently taken down. Additionally officials alleged that Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Grewal had pushed for the road’s reopening, alleging that the developers had encroached on public land by constructing the wall.
Dismissing allegations of political influence, ATP Zone B official Davinder Singh maintained that the demolition was purely in the public interest. “This step was taken for the larger welfare of the city, not for any political reasons,” he asserted.
