In a decisive move against unauthorized construction, the Amritsar Municipal Corporation (MC) has carried out a significant demolition drive, targeting three illegally constructed buildings. The action, which took place on Thursday, marks a firm stance by civic authorities on enforcing building regulations within the historic city.
Demolition Drive Targets Key Violations
The focus of the operation was the Guru Nanak Pura locality, where municipal teams, led by Assistant Town Planner (Zone-D) Gurinderjit Singh, took action. The buildings in question were found to be in clear violation of approved building plans and municipal bylaws. Using heavy machinery, including a JCB, the corporation partially demolished structures on three separate properties where illegal construction was ongoing.
Officials stated that the property owners had failed to adhere to the sanctioned building plans, constructing beyond the permitted limits and without necessary approvals. This anti-encroachment drive is part of a broader effort by the MC to curb the rampant issue of illegal construction that has been plaguing various parts of Amritsar.
Official Stance and Legal Backing
The demolition was executed under the watch of key officials, including Municipal Town Planner (MTP) Lakhwinder Singh. The action was not taken lightly; it followed due legal process. The MC had previously issued notices to the property owners under the relevant sections of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976. These notices mandated that the owners either regularize the illegal portions or face demolition.
Since the owners did not comply with the directives within the stipulated time, the corporation was compelled to take physical action. "We have been issuing notices for a long time," an official involved in the drive was quoted as saying, emphasizing that the demolition was a last resort after repeated warnings were ignored.
A Warning to Others and Future Plans
The partial demolition of these three buildings sends a strong message to other builders and property owners flouting norms in Amritsar. The Municipal Corporation has made it clear that such illegal activities will not be tolerated. The drive in Guru Nanak Pura is expected to be just the beginning.
Authorities have signaled that similar actions are on the cards for other zones of the city where illegal construction has been identified. The MC is compiling a list of such properties and will follow the same protocol of issuing notices before taking demolition action. This systematic approach aims to ensure fairness while also being uncompromising on the rule of law.
The crackdown highlights the ongoing challenge urban local bodies face in managing haphazard urban growth. For residents of Amritsar, this action underscores the importance of obtaining proper sanctions and adhering to building codes to avoid legal and financial repercussions. The Amritsar MC's renewed vigor in tackling encroachments is a step towards more orderly urban development in the holy city.
