Following HC orders, MC team removes encroachments from Chaura Bazaar

Following the directions of Punjab and Haryana high court, the municipal corporation (MC) on Monday finally came into action to remove the encroachments on the roads or beyond the shutters of the shops in Chaura Bazaar. The MC has also deployed different teams to keep a check on the encroachments at the old and prominent markets in the city.

During the hearing of a contempt petition on Friday, the high court directed the MC to ensure removal of encroachments on roads or beyond the shutters before the next hearing on January 20.

The MC teams lifted rehri-pharis and other encroachments from the market, and kept inspecting the roads of Chaura Bazaar since Monday morning. The MC teams also acted against the unauthorised hoardings in the market.

Sources said the MC teams were never seen so active earlier in following the high court directions as they were seen on Monday.

MC tehbazaari wing superintendent Rohit Sahota said, “We are taking action against the encroachments. Different teams have been deployed to keep a check on violations.”

Now, at least one superintendent from any of the four zones or an enforcement superintendent will keep inspecting the Chaura Bazaar daily till the next hearing of the case in high court.

MC officiating commissioner Ghanshyam Thori said, “We are apprising the shopkeepers about the high court orders. We will ensure compliance of the orders.”

Thori said, “We are taking photos of the area after removing encroachments from the market. These photos of removal of encroachments will be presented before the court on next hearing.”

The high court order stated, “Learned senior counsel appearing on behalf of the MC has assured the court that required action would definitely be taken against those persons who have encroached upon the road or have extended their shops beyond the shutters.”

The high court has directed that on the next date of hearing, the MC shall produce photographs showing removal of encroachment and in case the encroachment is not removed, additional commissioner Rishi Pal Singh shall remain present in court to accept the charge of the contempt.