Mohali Anti-Encroachment Drive Sparks Tension as Residents Attempt to Halt Demolitions
Tension flared during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive conducted by the Mohali Municipal Corporation on Sunday, with two separate incidents reported in Phase 3B2 and Phase 3B1 where residents attempted to obstruct demolition teams. The situation escalated as individuals took drastic measures to prevent the removal of encroachments on government land.
Incidents of Resistance in Residential Phases
In Phase 3B2, during the removal of encroachments on berms and government land outside a house, a resident climbed atop a metal boundary wall in an effort to halt the demolition. Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh expressed concern over this action, stating, "By doing this, he not only put his own life at risk but also created a threat to the safety of the MC team performing its duty." This reckless behavior highlighted the volatile nature of the drive.
In another incident in Phase 3B1, a resident, following a heated argument with officials, allegedly attempted to run over MC personnel with his car. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from this alarming confrontation. Commissioner Singh condemned such actions, emphasizing, "Such behaviour is unacceptable and warrants strict legal action."
Strict Legal Warnings and Zero-Tolerance Approach
Warning of a zero-tolerance approach, the MC chief asserted that any attempt to obstruct official duty would be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He outlined severe consequences for non-compliance, including:
- Recommendation for registration of FIRs in such cases.
- Requests to Gmada to initiate plot resumption proceedings if residents fail to comply with high court orders.
- Cancellation of allotments wherever required to enforce compliance.
This firm stance underscores the corporation's commitment to executing court directives without leniency.
Residents' Claims and Official Rebuttals
Meanwhile, some residents contested the legality of the demolition drive, citing Gmada's landscaping policy as a basis for their objections. However, officials maintained that the action was being carried out strictly in compliance with court directions and applicable rules, dismissing claims of illegality. This disagreement highlights the ongoing friction between authorities and affected residents.
Large-Scale Drive and High-Profile Compliance
The anti-encroachment drive is continuing on a large scale across Mohali. Commissioner Singh noted that violations outside even high-profile residences, including those belonging to senior bureaucrats and police officers, have been removed. He shared, "Several IPS officers informed us that they had voluntarily removed the violations outside their houses. Our teams verified these claims and found them to be correct." This demonstrates that the drive is being applied uniformly, regardless of the occupants' status.
Current Focus and Future Plans
At present, the drive is focused on ‘B' category roads and markets, with encroachments along B roads in Phase 7, Phase 3B1, and Phase 3B2 already cleared. Singh added that the next phase will cover Phase 5, after which teams will move on to C category roads. This structured approach ensures a systematic removal of encroachments across different areas of the city.
The incidents in Mohali underscore the challenges faced during urban enforcement drives, balancing legal mandates with public resistance. As the municipal corporation presses forward, the emphasis remains on adherence to court orders and maintaining public safety amidst escalating tensions.
