Civic body acts against unauthorised construction in Khadda Colony after police sought verification of properties belonging to two arrested brothers
YAMUNANAGAR | PEN OF DEMOCRACY NEWS DESK
The Municipal Corporation Yamunanagar-Jagadhri on Thursday launched a major demolition drive against unauthorised construction and acted against a two-storey house allegedly built illegally by two brothers arrested by Yamunanagar Police in a drug trafficking case. The structure, located in Khadda Colony of Purana Hamida, was completely demolished with the help of heavy machinery and a strong police presence.
The action came after Yamunanagar Police had arrested Purana Hamida residents Naeem Dhobi and his brother Mustaqeem on allegations of involvement in drug trafficking. Following their arrest, the Superintendent of Police wrote to the Municipal Corporation requesting verification of the properties belonging to the accused and examination of whether the constructions complied with the applicable building regulations.
During its subsequent investigation, the Municipal Corporation found that the two brothers had allegedly constructed the two-storey residential building in Khadda Colony without getting the required building map and building plan approved. The civic body treated the construction as unauthorised and initiated proceedings against the structure.
Following the inspection, notices were issued to the property owners by the Municipal Corporation. The corporation proceeded with the demolition after the notice period expired. Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Prasad directed officials to prepare an action plan and take further steps in accordance with the established administrative procedure.
Assistant Engineer Surendra Dahiya was appointed as the Duty Magistrate for the demolition operation. On Thursday, a joint Municipal Corporation team led by Dahiya reached Khadda Colony along with a substantial police force and JCB machines to ensure that the operation could be carried out without disruption.
The team included Assistant Town Planner Darshan Lal and Building Inspectors Narendra Gundal and Deepak. After reaching the site, the officials began the demolition of the two-storey structure. The building was gradually brought down using heavy machinery and was completely reduced to rubble.
The presence of police personnel was maintained throughout the operation to ensure law and order at the site. The civic authorities said the action was taken as part of enforcement against unauthorised construction and was based on the findings of the Municipal Corporation’s inspection and subsequent proceedings.
Municipal Commissioner Mahabir Prasad said unauthorised construction would not be tolerated in the city under any circumstances. He said the civic body would continue taking strict legal and administrative action against those found carrying out illegal construction or encroaching upon public or private land in violation of applicable rules.
The demolition assumes significance amid the administration’s increasing focus on combining law-enforcement action against alleged drug trafficking with scrutiny of properties associated with accused persons. However, the allegations of drug trafficking against the two brothers remain allegations unless established through the judicial process.
The civic authorities’ action was specifically based on the finding that the building had been constructed without the required approval of the building map and plan. The Municipal Corporation’s proceedings therefore focused on the alleged violation of building regulations rather than determining the guilt of the accused in the criminal case.
Officials said the enforcement drive sends a clear message that unauthorised construction will attract action. The corporation has also indicated that similar inspections and enforcement measures will continue wherever violations of building norms are detected.
The administration has been stressing the need for planned urban development and compliance with construction regulations. Approval of building plans allows authorities to examine construction proposals before work begins and helps ensure that buildings comply with prescribed norms. Construction without the necessary approvals can subsequently create difficulties for both property owners and civic authorities.
In the present case, the corporation’s inspection followed a request from the police after the two brothers were arrested. The subsequent verification established, according to the civic body, that the house did not have the necessary approved building plan. After the notice period ended, the corporation moved ahead with demolition.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of the designated Duty Magistrate and in the presence of municipal planning and building officials. The use of JCB machines enabled the team to demolish the structure in a controlled manner and clear the site after the building was brought down.
Mahabir Prasad reiterated that the Municipal Corporation would maintain a strict approach towards unauthorised construction and encroachment. He said enforcement action would continue against violators and that no one should assume that illegal construction would be overlooked.
The Thursday operation at Khadda Colony thus marked another firm enforcement action by the Municipal Corporation against alleged violations of construction rules. Officials maintained that property owners must obtain the required approvals before undertaking construction and comply with the prescribed regulations.
POD/DESK
