LIT identifies 14 encroachments, Trust land worth more than Rs 200 crore under unlawful occupation

Chandigarh Tribune‎‎: Ludhiana: Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) has identified 14 permanent encroachments in its colonies. Based on the prevailing market prices, land worth more than Rs 200 crore is under unlawful occupation by jhuggi dwellers, other residents, Punjab police and religious bodies.

Information obtained under the Right to Information Act indicates that jhuggi dwellers were unlawfully occupying land measuring 15,000 square yards in Maharishi Valmiki Nagar, 29,000 square yards in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and 27,936 square yards in Model Town Extension part I and II.

Among other encroachments are 5.38 acre in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar by one Gajjan Singh, 2,200 square yards in the same colony by various persons, 4,132 square yards in Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar where pucca houses have been constructed or a green belt has been encroached upon, 1350 square yards in Dairy Scheme by Punjab Police, a temple and a gurdwara, 136 square yards in Transport Nagar by a transport company and one SCF (333.33 square yards) in Moti Nagar by a gurdwara.

The Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) officials said information of these permanent encroachments had also been submitted to the district administration in respect of civil writ petition 4886 of 2003 in which the Punjab and Haryana High Court had issued directions for the removal of encroachments.

In a representation to the Chairman and Executive Officer of the Trust, president of the Council of RTI Activists Rohit Sabharwal, citing directions given in different cases, said the LIT was bound to comply with the directions and therefore, these encroachments ought to be removed.

The LIT Executive Officer said the Trust was making efforts to seek police force for the removal of at least half a dozen encroachments for more than six months. But the same had not been provided.

“As and when we get police assistance, necessary action in this regard will be taken,” he said.

Chahal said a public notice under section 246-A of Punjab Municipal Act had already been issued to jhuggi dwellers for vacating possession of nearly 6-acre piece of land in blocks E and G in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar within seven days of the publication of notice.

In case of non-compliance, the Ludhiana Improvement Trust will remove the encroachments at the risk and cost of unlawful occupants.