Crackdown on Illegal Colonies in Zone C
The Municipal Corporation (MC) of Ludhiana intensified its action against illegal constructions on Saturday. Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal carried out surprise inspections in Zone C and ordered strict measures against five illegal colonies in Shimlapuri, Jaspal Bangar, and Kanganwal.
During the inspection, the commissioner directed civic officials to file an FIR against a coloniser and to seal or demolish structures raised without approval. He also instructed that departmental action be taken against assistant town planners (ATPs) and building inspectors who failed to prevent the violations.
“Illegal colonies will not be tolerated, and strict action will continue,” said Dachalwal, while addressing officials present during the inspection.
FIRs, Sealing, and Demolitions Ordered
In Shimlapuri, officials were told to lodge an FIR against a coloniser responsible for setting up an illegal colony near Dhand Palace. The commissioner further directed that under-construction buildings in this colony be demolished and unoccupied structures sealed. The civic body has also begun proceedings to attach the property of the coloniser.
Action was also ordered against Ganpati Colony near Morgan Crossing and Krishna Colony. In these areas, officials were asked to write to the revenue department and the tehsildar to halt property registries. This move aims to block the sale or purchase of plots in colonies developed without approval.
In Kanganwal, two colonies were found to be under illegal development. Officials were directed to seal the gates and prevent any further construction activity.
Accountability of Civic Officials
Commissioner Dachalwal made it clear that accountability would not be limited to builders and colonisers. He ordered strict departmental action against ATPs and building inspectors who failed in their duty to curb illegal activity.
“Officials found negligent in checking unauthorised colonies will face disciplinary action,” he warned. The commissioner emphasized that the MC will not allow lapses that encourage illegal development in the city.
Additional commissioner Paramdeep Singh, zonal commissioner Gurpal Singh, ATP Navneet Khokhar, and other officials accompanied the commissioner during the inspections.
Ongoing Drive Against Unauthorized Constructions
The latest action is part of a broader drive by Ludhiana MC to tackle unauthorized colonies that often lack proper roads, sewerage, and electricity connections. Such colonies not only violate urban planning laws but also create long-term problems for residents.
Officials noted that the crackdown will continue in the coming weeks. Surprise inspections will be conducted regularly to ensure compliance. Moreover, revenue authorities will be asked to stop land registries in all flagged colonies to prevent legal complications for buyers.
Urban planners say that consistent action against illegal developers is crucial to curb the mushrooming of unauthorized colonies in Ludhiana, one of Punjab’s fastest-growing cities.