Chandigarh, June 21: Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu has given a deadline of 15 days to Jalandhar Mayor to set his house in order on illegal constructions in the town.
Talking to The Tribune, Sidhu said: “I have sought action as per the norms against all illegal constructions. We have information about 96 such cases. We are not asking for demolishing any old house, but we will not allow the construction of any new illegal colonies. No houses of any poor are being demolished anywhere.”
A meeting was held here on Wednesday. MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary and MLAs Pargat Singh, Avtar Henry (Junior) and Rajinder Berry were among those present.
Jalandhar Mayor Jagdish Raja said: “We agree with the minister for not allowing any new illegal constructions. At the same time, we have requested him not to demolish old constructions. The local government department is not approving new constructions in areas not having 60-ft-wide roads and other tough parameters. Many areas have typical problems and need a sympathetic consideration.”
Raja said: “Hundreds of shops in certain old areas of the town face an uncertain fate under MC conditions. We have been called for a meeting next Tuesday and assured that all related issues will be sorted out.”
He said: “Sidhu has provided a list of 93 buildings. He has asked us to ensure that those which make payments as per the one-time settlement shall be regularised. All colonies seeking regualrisations have to get maps approved from the civic body and make payments.
”Sidhu said: “I was able to visit only 35 of 96 illegal colonies in Jalandhar. The issue has gained unnecessary political overtone because of vested interests of certain local leaders. The protest was unreasonable and illegal. We have given them time for necessary amendments.”
Sidhu said: “I was able to visit only 35 of 96 illegal colonies in Jalandhar. The issue has gained unnecessary political overtone because of vested interests of certain local leaders. The protest was unreasonable and illegal. We have given them time for necessary amendments.”
Source Tribune India
