CHANDIGARH: Officials from various departments, including urban local bodies (ULB), town and country planning (TCP), and district revenue offices, are under scrutiny as the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (HSVACB) conducts an extensive investigation into the rise of unauthorized colonies throughout the state.
The bureau is examining approximately 2,600 illegal colonies believed to have been established in violation of several laws and regulatory guidelines set forth by the TCP and ULB departments.
Sources indicate that the departments involved are likely to take action against officials and private individuals identified in the probe, which is supported by substantial documentary evidence and records related to the properties in question. Additionally, large-scale demolition efforts are reportedly in the works.
HSVACB Director-General A S Chawla mentioned that the investigation is being carried out under the orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. “Our teams are following the guidelines established by the court. The investigation is at an advanced stage, with the report expected to be submitted directly to the court,” Chawla stated.
Officials noted that the investigation aims to pinpoint government employees and officers who may have collaborated with developers in creating these illegal colonies. Colonies developed on agricultural land without the necessary change-of-land-use (CLU) approval or no-objection certificates from the TCP and relevant civic bodies are classified as illegal.
As per reports, the vigilance headquarters has divided the investigation into four ranges across the state, with SP-ranked officers overseeing the efforts. Technical experts from various departments are assisting the teams.
The state government had previously taken steps against illegal colonization, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The revenue and disaster management department, along with the ULB department, had previously identified officials involved in these violations.
