Indian Express 27.08.2009
VIPs turn encroachers? Complaints galore in Panchkula
The Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) and the Panchkula Municipal Council (MC) have always claimed to be strict against encroachers in the city, but allegations have surfaced that among the major offenders are some HUDA officials and VIPs.
According to residents of Sector 12 in Panchkula, S C Mehta, a sub-divisional officer with HUDA in Ambala, has installed a cellphone tower at his residence, ignoring their objections.
Not only that, they allege, he has even encroached upon an entire plot next to his house and developed it as a private park.
“Several times, the residents of the area have complained to the authorities about the mobile tower that he has installed atop his house, but the authorities fail to take action against him. Not only this, it has been years now since he has encroached upon a plot adjoining his house where he has developed a personal garden,” said a resident of the area who did not wish to be named.
He added: “It is a matter of shame for HUDA that it is unable to put a check on its own officials who have turned into big-time encroachers in the city.”
Mehta, however, claimed that the park had been developed for him by HUDA.
T C Gupta, Chief Administrator, HUDA, said, “I shall inquire into the matter. Any kind of encroachment by the official will be removed with immediate effect.”
Similar is the condition in Sector 6, where Haryana Inspector General M S Mann has allegedly encroached upon a public park. “It has been years now since security guards of the IG have put up tents in the public park, causing much discomfort to residents, especially children,” said Mukesh Sharma, a local resident.
He added, “It is very disappointing to see that the authorities have different rules for commoners and the VIPs.”
Mann refused to comment on the issue.
O P Sihag, Executive Officer, MC, told Newsline, “We have taken a serious note of the problem and are now planning to take up the matter strictly. For this, a survey of all the public parks in the city, which have been encroached upon, is being done.”
At Sector 4, Punjab MLA Rana Sodhi has allegedly encroached upon HUDA road for several years by constructing a garage. “HUDA has done nothing. But if any other resident had done a similar act, it would have acted without any second thoughts,” said Suresh Aggarwal, a local resident.
