Mohali, December 24, 2024: Amid rising concerns over unauthorised buildings and the recent collapse of a structure that claimed two lives, the Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) has ramped up its efforts against illegal constructions in villages under its jurisdiction.
Notices are being issued as part of an ongoing survey to identify dangerous and unauthorised structures. A senior MC official stated, “We have issued around 30 notices in the last three months for illegal constructions in five villages and are taking necessary action against all violations of building laws.”
The official added that high-rise structures in densely populated areas will be sealed rather than demolished to avoid risks to nearby residents, while demolition may be considered in sparsely populated areas.
To facilitate public reporting, the MC has provided a helpline number (9463775070) and email address (municpalcorporationsasnagar@gmail.com) for complaints.
Mayor Calls for Fire Safety, Building Inspections
Mayor Amarjit Singh Jeeti Sidhu and Senior Deputy Mayor Amrik Singh Somal, alongside MC Commissioner T Benith, chaired a meeting with building branch and fire department officials to address unauthorised constructions.
The mayor accentuated the rampant violations, stating, “Only three-storey buildings are permitted in villages, but many have constructed multi-storey structures, both inside and outside the lal dora.”
Sidhu emphasized the fire risks posed by unauthorised buildings and directed officials to assess fire preparedness across village structures. “Construction of buildings without approved plans has been stopped,” he said, while vowing strict action against violators.
Disciplinary Action Against MC Officials
MC Commissioner T Benith has sought explanations from the building branch for neglecting illegal basement digging at the collapsed site, where several nearby high-rise buildings have also been built unlawfully.
“Disciplinary action will be taken against concerned officers after the magisterial and internal MC probes are completed,” an MC official confirmed.
Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain also issued a stern warning, directing local authorities to ensure ongoing constructions comply with building bylaws. “Approving drawings alone is not enough; ongoing constructions must be regularly inspected to prevent further violations,” she stated during a meeting with senior officials.
Greater Oversight for Lal Dora and GMADA Areas
Jain urged the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to monitor violations in areas outside MC limits, while the rural development and panchayat department will be asked to tackle unauthorised high-rises within lal dora limits. “The greed to house people in unsafe accommodations or unapproved basements must be checked to prevent such tragedies,” she added.
Contractor Evades Arrest in Building Collapse
Sohana police have arrested two individuals, including the building owner and the adjacent plot owner, following the collapse, but contractor Suresh Kumar remains at large. Investigations revealed that excavation work on the adjacent plot, started without necessary precautions or permissions, caused the land to sink.
The accused have been booked under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (culpable homicide not amounting to murder). Mohali SDM Damandeep Kaur is leading the probe, with a report expected within three weeks.