When civic officials themselves flagrantly flout building bylaws

Taking advantage of the municipal corporation’s neglect in checking unauthorised construction in the city, the councillor of ward number 33 has allegedly built an illegal structure in a public park near Chand Cinema.

Though the civic body has served a notice to the councillor not to go ahead with the construction as high-voltage power cables pass over the site, the councilor has chosen to ignore it.

City residents have accused Raghbir Singh Beera, councillor of ward number 33, of constructing an unauthorised structure in a park near Chand Cinema.

Though Beera has rejected the allegation, he has nevertheless admitted he had not taken permission from the MC as per the building bylaws. Residents further alleged that apart from a toilet, a big room was also being constructed on the premises of the park.

It is pertinent to mention here that religious encroachments can also be seen in other green belts and parks of the city but the MC generally failed to remove such encroachments.

Rohit Sabharwal, a resident, said, “The civic body does not act against encroachment and illegal constructions because of the political influence. MC should start keeping check on these buildings and ensure that developers build according to an approved plan.”

ATP Kamaljeet Kaur said, “We have issued a notice into the case as nobody has taken any permission from us before building the structure.” Area councillor Raghbir Singh Beera said: “I had informed the city mayor Harcharan Singh Gohalwaria about the construction and will inform the MC commissioner too. This is not an encroachment or illegal construction as the structure is meant for the public.”

However, Gohalwaria was not available for comment.