In a significant move, Amarjit Singh 'Jeeti' Sidhu, the Mayor of Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC), has strongly criticized the practice of using bulldozers to demolish houses, labeling it as both unlawful and inhumane. He has called for a more systematic and transparent method to address the issue of illegal encroachments within the city.
A Stand Against Sudden Demolition Drives
Mayor Sidhu made his firm stance clear during a key meeting held on Thursday. The meeting was attended by MC Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu, several senior officials, and local councillors. While the primary agenda was to review pending development work orders—with councillors raising concerns about selective delays—the discussion prominently featured the controversial demolition drives.
Sidhu explicitly stated that sudden demolitions carried out using JCB machines are "unacceptable." He emphasized the human cost of such actions, pointing out that many homes have elderly residents or family members who live abroad. "Arriving at people's homes without any prior notice is fundamentally wrong," the Mayor asserted. "If any tragic incident occurs during such an operation, who will be held accountable?" he questioned.
Proposing a People-Centric Legal Framework
Instead of abrupt action, Mayor Sidhu outlined a detailed, step-by-step procedure for dealing with illegal constructions. His proposed solution focuses on giving residents a fair chance to comply with the law.
The core of his proposal is to issue proper legal notices to property owners, granting them a window of 60 to 90 days to rectify any identified violations. Should the occupants fail to make the necessary corrections within this period, the authorities can then proceed with legally sanctioned measures. These measures could include disconnecting essential utilities like water and electricity supply.
He argued that this methodical approach would prevent unnecessary confrontations, save the administration from extra expenditure on demolition drives, and reduce public resentment. "This is a more civilized and lawful way to enforce regulations," Sidhu added.
Questioning the Role of GMADA
Mayor Sidhu also turned the spotlight on the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), raising serious questions about its responsibility in the creation of illegal structures. He alleged that numerous building plans, which later resulted in violations, were originally approved by GMADA itself.
To illustrate his point, he cited specific examples from areas like Aerocity and IT City. "If one building is constructed taller than its neighboring structure, how did its map get approved in the first place?" he asked, implying that the root of the problem often lies with the approving authority. This highlights a need for greater accountability in the initial planning and approval stages to prevent future encroachments.
The Mayor's strong remarks have sparked a crucial debate on urban governance and the balance between law enforcement and citizen rights in Mohali. His call for transparency in all sanctioned work orders further underscores a push for more accountable civic administration.
