Ludhiana Building Branch Faces Scrutiny Over Illegal Construction Allegations
The building branch of Ludhiana's municipal corporation is currently embroiled in controversy following fresh allegations of illegal construction activities and potential collusion with officials. These serious claims have sparked widespread concern among residents and activists regarding public safety and regulatory oversight in the city.
Chaura Bazaar Commercial Building Raises Safety Concerns
Resident Tribhuvan Thapar has brought attention to a particularly alarming case involving a four-storey commercial building in the bustling Chaura Bazaar area. According to Thapar's detailed complaint, this structure has been constructed directly over a drainage system without obtaining any approved building plans or necessary fire safety certificates.
Thapar alleges that municipal corporation officials actively facilitated this unauthorized project, creating what he describes as a significant public safety hazard. The absence of proper fire safety measures in a commercial building of this scale poses serious risks to both occupants and neighboring properties in this densely populated market area.
Main Canal Road Encroachment Issues Surface
In a separate but equally concerning development, activist Kuldeep Singh Khaira has flagged six shop-cum-office units on Main Canal Road for allegedly encroaching on public road space. Khaira's complaint suggests these structures have been built in violation of municipal regulations governing public land usage.
Khaira has made serious accusations against municipal officials, claiming they rushed to issue completion certificates for these properties specifically to bypass a pending inquiry by the chief vigilance officer. This inquiry was reportedly investigating illegal basement clubbing practices in the area, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
Activists Demand Accountability and Official Response
Local activists are now demanding greater accountability from municipal authorities, characterizing the situation as "deliberate obstruction" of proper regulatory processes. They argue that such practices undermine public trust in municipal governance and create dangerous precedents for urban development in Ludhiana.
When approached for comment, municipal town planner Vijay Kumar stated he was unaware of these specific complaints. "I must first verify these cases with my subordinates before providing any official comment," Kumar explained, highlighting potential communication gaps within the municipal corporation's building regulation department.
The emerging pattern of allegations suggests systemic issues in Ludhiana's building approval and monitoring processes. These developments come at a time when urban centers across India are grappling with balancing development needs with regulatory compliance and public safety considerations.
