TNN, Nov 2, 2010,
LUDHIANA: The district grievances committee has alleged that the state government and officers of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) failed to curb the workings of land mafia in the city. While colonizers are developing colonies in great numbers, the official record of GLADA informs that only 15 colonizers have sought license in the past four years.
The committee members have alleged that illegal colonies are mushrooming without any checks as the officials are hand in glove with the defaulting colonizers. Citing information ferreted under RTI Act, they said GLADA issued permission to only 15 private colonizers for developing housing colonies in the past four years.
Besides, only seven out of those who have obtained licence cleared their dues. The authorities are yet to recover around Rs 2086.81 lakh.
A member, Varun Mehta, said the information they received under RTI exposed the apathetic attitude of GLADA authorities. The officers have failed to keep a tab on the construction of these colonies, causing financial loss to the state exchequer. The committee would raise the issue during its next meeting with deputy commissioner, he added. Refuting these allegations, GLADA officials claim they initiated a drive against the private colonizers who had not sought permission. They also razed the unauthorized colonies at Pakhowal Road and Haibowal in the past one month, he added.
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