Violators of building by-laws to be given one-time relaxation: Sidhu
Chandigarh: “Fear clogs the faith in the government and that explains why the Punjab Government has decided to go in for solution searching mode as welfare state with regard to the issue of building violations (Commercial & Residential) in the state”. Expressing these views in a media briefing here today, the Local Government Minister, Punjab, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu said that a policy is being formulated to give one time relaxation to the violators of the building laws thus enabling them to go in for regularization of their structures. He said that this relaxation would be given on ‘as is where is’ basis and those being benefitted by the policy would have to completely abide by the building laws in future. Detailing more, the minister said that the officers would be held responsible for building violations in the areas under their jurisdiction and they would be dismissed in case a violation is detected. He also said that the people found guilty of encroaching and indulging in violating building laws blatantly too would face the music in accordance with the law. Disclosing more, he said that a cabinet note is in the process of being prepared in this regard which would be put up before the Chief Minister for approval. The minister further divulged that 300 complaints have been received in Ludhiana, Patiala, Jalandhar, Bathinda and Amritsar with regard to the violation of building laws. He also revealed that out of these, 85 complaints have been made in Ludhiana itself. He added that this problem would be addressed on priority in urban centres where the spaces meant for parking have been encroached upon in total violation of building laws. Castigating the previous SAD-BJP dispensation, Mr. Sidhu said that had the previous government cared for the speedy redressal of the problem during the last 10 years, it would have been tackled by now. On the occasion, Adviser to the Local Government Department Dr. Amar Singh, Director Mr. Kamal Kishore Yadav and Chief Vigilance Officer Mr. Sudeep Manak were also present. — PTC News
