Mohali Municipal Corporation to restart anti-encroachment drive from January 19
The Mohali Municipal Corporation will resume its city-wide anti-encroachment drive starting Monday, January 19. This action follows strict directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The civic body urges residents to remove all illegal encroachments voluntarily before the deadline to avoid coercive measures.
High Court orders prompt resumption of drive
The drive had paused temporarily due to Christmas, New Year, and other major festivals. The high court observed that earlier actions were only partial. It directed the Municipal Corporation to complete the process fully. Following these observations, the corporation decided to restart the operation with the same intensity.
Municipal Commissioner Parminderpal Singh Sandhu stated that the high court's orders have been formally placed before the Municipal Corporation House. All councillors received proper information about the resumption.
"All councillors have been sensitised so they can create awareness among residents in their respective wards," Sandhu said. He added that public notices have already been issued through newspapers to inform citizens about the impending action.
Final appeal to encroachers before demolition begins
Referring to the court's directions, the Commissioner explained, "On January 13, 2026, the Hon'ble Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the Municipal Corporation to remove all illegal encroachments and submit a compliance report. In adherence to these orders, this is a final appeal to all encroachers to immediately remove illegal occupations within the Municipal Corporation limits."
He clarified that the action will cover illegal encroachments in:
- Residential areas
- Commercial areas
- Industrial areas
- Parks
- All categories of government land across Mohali
Demolition costs and property damage responsibility
Parminderpal Singh further warned that once the drive begins on Monday, the Municipal Corporation will not be responsible for any damage caused to property during the removal process.
"Any loss during the operation will be the sole responsibility of the encroacher," he said. The Commissioner added that the cost incurred during demolition will also be recovered from the concerned occupants by issuing notices.
The Municipal Corporation emphasizes that demolition expenses will be recovered from the encroachers themselves. This move aims to ensure compliance with court orders and maintain urban order in Mohali.
