Ludhiana civic body seals commercial complex for violation of building bylaws

LUDHIANA: Acting over a complaint against illegal construction, the civic officials on Wednesday sealed a complex, which were supposed to house at least 10 shops. RTI activist Rohit Sabharwal had lodged a complaint against under-construction shops on College Road.

In the complaint, Sabharwal had claimed that no parking space had been left in the building where shops were being constructed. He had asked the officials to check whether the building owner had deposited fee for change of land use (CLU). The officials concerned of building branch officials also failed to show any challans against illegal construction work, he had claimed, adding that as per the rules, the officials should have demolished the illegal structures.

One of the officials claimed that they had received a complaint after which they took action in the matter. He claimed that the authorities decided to seal the complex as violation of building bylaws was visible on the ground.

It is not for the first time that any such violation has come to light. Earlier too, similar structures had been cropped up along several roads in the city. Due to this kind of illegal activities, traffic issues have become a major problem as very few buildings leave parking space in their premises. Many areas in the city have turned commercial despite being residential as per the approved plan.

Notably, the issue of illegal construction work has remained in limelight, but no action has been taken against the erring officials who had been responsible for the irregularities. No action had been taken against erring officials despite a report submitted by additional commissioner Rishipal Singh had thrown light over 50,000 illegal buildings under MC. Even after recommending chargesheet against officials of building branch, no action has been taken so far.