In a significant push to reclaim public spaces, the Mohali Municipal Corporation has announced a major intensification of its anti-encroachment drive. The civic body is coupling enforcement action with a robust public awareness campaign, tasking its elected councillors with the crucial role of communicating directly with residents.
Councillors to Bridge the Gap Between Law and Public
The core of this new initiative involves councillors leading a door-to-door awareness campaign across their respective wards. Officials stated that councillors will be thoroughly briefed on the legal intricacies of the demolition and removal campaign. Their primary objective is to explain to citizens that the drive is being carried out under strict court orders and compliance is not optional but mandatory.
A senior civic official emphasized the preventive nature of this approach. "The objective is to encourage people to voluntarily remove illegal encroachments so that coercive action can be avoided," the official said. This strategy is designed to maintain law and order and ensure the entire campaign is implemented peacefully, minimizing potential confrontations.
Formal Proposal and Scope of Encroachments
A formal proposal detailing this combined awareness-and-action plan will be presented for discussion and approval at the upcoming House meeting of the Mohali Municipal Corporation. The agenda note clearly defines what constitutes illegal encroachments, targeting structures on green belts and road berms.
Residents are urged to proactively clear any of the following from public land:
- Unauthorized ramps and platforms
- Illegal fencing and boundaries
- Flower pots and planters placed on public paths
- Any other temporary or permanent structures occupying public space
The official added, "This agenda item is being brought so that all councillors are fully informed about the anti-encroachment drive and can effectively communicate the message to residents." The corporation believes that advance awareness is key to smooth implementation and will offer full cooperation and guidance to residents wherever needed.
Broader Benefits for Urban Management
The civic authorities highlighted that this initiative extends beyond mere enforcement. The successful removal of illegal encroachments is expected to yield multiple long-term benefits for the city of Mohali. Reclaiming public spaces will enhance the city's aesthetics, ease traffic congestion, and contribute significantly to better overall urban management.
By opting for a communication-first model, the Mohali Municipal Corporation aims to foster public cooperation, ensuring that the drive to restore public land is both effective and harmonious.
