Commoner faces hammer, VIP encroachment spared

Even as the municipal corporation recently demolished the ‘illegal’ constructions in the residential areas, but it has no such plan to clear the encroachments raised by the high and mighty in the name of security booths outside their residences.

Several such encroachments have been causing inconvenience to the commuters in some areas for years. Residents in some area, where VIPs reside, are unable to make use of parks which are being used by the security personnel.

Outside GGN Khalsa College, Civil Lines, more than half the road has been encroached for the security picket outside the house of a retired senior police official. A make-shift toilet had also been raised near the tents, where security personnel have to stay round the clock.

Shiv Kumar, retired senior superintendent of police, said, “This security was provided to me by the government as I was getting many threats. These are temporary tents and not e nc ro a chments. The police patrolling team also halts here. The security post also ensures the safety of other residents. College students park vehicles on the road due to which the residents suffer.”

A park in Block B of Rajguru Nagar was also encroached to raise structures to accommodate of security people of a senior police official.

One of the residents on condition of anonymity said, “We have been demanding removal of these encroachments but the authorities concerned have failed to take action.”

Encroachments can even be seen outside some of gover nment quarters near Rakh Bagh. Temporary chambers have been raised along the road where the security guards stay. Some of the security pickets are fitted coolers and televisions.

Encroachments can also be seen along the road and in a park opposite the house of a senior leader of Shiromani Akali Dal in Model Town area.

A cop deployed on duty claimed that they were just performing their duty. “We were given place here to stay. We are not answerable for staying here as we are following the orders of senior officials.”

The municipal corporation has been turning a blind eye to these violations.

Rohit Sabharwal, a n RTI activist, said, “Most of these encroachments are seen outside the houses of government officials and political leaders. These encroachments should be removed by the MC.”

A labourer, whose home was demolished during an antiencroachment drive in Ghumar Mandi, said, “Our home was demolished but no alternative arrangement was made for us. Affluent people are generally spared for such violations.”

MC commissioner Shruti Singh was not available for comments.

Additional commissioner Sumeet Jarangal did not take the call. MC additional commissioner Sumeet Jarangal said the tezbazari wing would take action against these encroachments.

MC additional commissioner Davinder Singh said, “We will take action if anybody has encroached the area. We have also taken action in the past whenever any such violation was brought into our notice.”