Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu launched a scathing critique on Thursday against the intensified anti-encroachment operations in the city, labeling the current methodology as "neither legal nor humane." He warned that the sudden use of bulldozers could cause irreparable damage to the city's social fabric and demanded a shift towards a more lawful and transparent process.
A Call for Lawful Procedure Over Bulldozers
Mayor Sidhu strongly objected to the practice of authorities arriving unannounced with heavy machinery at residential properties. He highlighted the human cost, noting that many affected households include senior citizens, heart patients, or families with members living abroad. "If an unfortunate incident occurs tomorrow, who will take responsibility?" he questioned. Instead of immediate demolition, he proposed a systematic alternative: issuing formal notices, creating public awareness, and providing a 60 to 90-day window for residents to rectify violations.
"Electricity, sewerage, and water connections are provided by government bodies. If violations persist after due notice, these utilities can be legally disconnected," Sidhu explained. He argued this approach would involve no extra cost, avoid confrontation, and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Allegations of Systemic Failure and Discrimination
The Mayor pointed a finger at systemic corruption and alleged double standards in enforcement. He stated that in many cases, building plans were originally approved by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) itself. "When one house is built taller than its neighbor, how was that map approved? The real culprit is the system that clears such maps and later coordinates action with the Municipal Corporation, defaming the corporation," he alleged.
He further accused authorities of discriminatory practices. "Wherever people gather collectively or a legal expert appears, action is halted. But in weaker areas, demolitions are carried out directly. This is unjust," Sidhu asserted. He also claimed that in newly developing zones like Aerocity and IT City, maps are being incorrectly approved from the outset.
Post-Demolition Chaos and Political Consensus
Sidhu also highlighted the aftermath of demolition drives, which often leaves damaged water pipelines, scattered garbage, and no concrete plan for restoration. This neglect, he argued, compounds the suffering of affected residents and degrades the urban environment.
Following a detailed review meeting with Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu and other officials, Sidhu announced that a Municipal Corporation House meeting would be convened soon. The aim is to gather suggestions from councillors across party lines. "We will clearly define GMADA's responsibilities and the MC's role to decide how the city should be governed in a legal, peaceful, and transparent manner," he stated. He concluded with a powerful statement: "A city is not made beautiful with bulldozers; it is made beautiful with law and justice."
Echoing the Mayor's concerns, Senior Deputy Mayor Amrik Singh Somal alleged that highly influential individuals have encroached upon large parcels of land, sometimes up to four kanals, with permanent structures, yet face no action. "Some have even encroached upon government parks, and senior officials from the administration and police are among them," Somal claimed. He asserted that taking strict action against these 100 to 150 powerful encroachers would set an example, prompting others in the city to voluntarily remove their encroachments.
