Mohali Demolition Drive Resumes in Phase 2 Amid Controversy Over Accountability
After a brief weekend pause, the demolition drive against illegal encroachments in Mohali is set to resume on Monday, with authorities focusing their next phase of action on Phase 2 (Sector 54). This renewed crackdown comes amid growing questions about accountability for unchecked encroachments and allegations of inconsistent enforcement by officials.
Targeted Areas and Previous Operations
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and Municipal Corporation have already conducted operations spanning from Phase 4 (Sector 58) to Phase 3A (Sector 53). During these initial phases, authorities concentrated on clearing A- and B-category roads, where illegal extensions along B roads were systematically removed.
The drive has primarily targeted:
- Unauthorized constructions behind commercial showrooms
- Encroachments by adjoining residential properties
- Illegal structures along major road networks
Bulldozers have been deployed at multiple locations across these sectors, with officials emphasizing that "no illegal occupation will be tolerated" according to Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sandhu.
Controversy Over Enforcement Methods
The demolition action has sparked significant controversy, with allegations of a "pick and choose" policy being adopted by officials. While some showroom owners were granted additional time to voluntarily remove their encroachments, others saw their structures demolished immediately without similar consideration.
Commissioner Sandhu has denied any discrimination in the campaign, stating: "Action is being taken even against influential persons. Encroachments on internal roads will be addressed once main roads are cleared."
Despite these assurances, C roads and internal streets continue to witness large-scale encroachments, with unauthorized construction remaining rampant in several areas, particularly in newly developed sectors and regions recently included under the expanded municipal limits.
Accountability Questions and Ironies
Serious questions are being raised about accountability for the unchecked encroachments that have proliferated across Mohali. While GMADA is officially responsible for preventing illegal occupation, persistent allegations suggest that timely action was not taken to address the growing problem.
Ironically, encroachments have also been reported near properties belonging to the Municipal Corporation itself, highlighting the systemic nature of the issue. In response to mounting criticism, Commissioner Sandhu emphasized: "No one is above the law. Every illegal encroachment will be removed. People are advised to clear violations on their own, as demolition by machines results in greater losses."
Court Pressure Accelerating Action
The intensified demolition drive follows strict directions from the court in an ongoing case challenging illegal encroachments in Mohali. Although the case was decided in 2020, enforcement stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent Assembly elections.
The timeline of legal pressure includes:
- GMADA issued public notices in 2023 but took no significant ground-level action
- The petitioner filed a contempt petition in 2024, prompting the court to summon officials
- During the January 13 hearing, the administration submitted a status report deemed inadequate by the court
- The next hearing is fixed for February 5, with directions for the Mohali Municipal Commissioner to appear in person
This judicial pressure has created additional urgency for authorities to demonstrate tangible progress in removing illegal encroachments before the upcoming court appearance.
Current Status and Voluntary Compliance
While the demolition drive continues with renewed vigor, some residents have begun voluntarily removing illegal structures to avoid the harsher consequences of machine-led demolitions. However, unauthorized construction remains widespread in several areas, indicating that the problem extends beyond the current focus zones.
The resumption of operations in Phase 2 represents the latest chapter in Mohali's ongoing struggle against encroachments, balancing enforcement action with questions of fairness, accountability, and systematic prevention of future violations.
