LUDHIANA: The Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of the local bodies department has instructed the municipal corporation (MC) to take action against the unlawful commercial construction of a building in BRS Nagar. This comes after a complaint was lodged by social activist Kuldeep Singh Khaira.
The CVO’s directive concerns a building located at residential plot number 347-B in BRS Nagar, which is reportedly being developed for commercial use, violating the town planning scheme and the Ludhiana Master Plan. According to the CVO’s letter, construction of the building’s second floor is already “in full swing.” Furthermore, the letter raised concerns about repeated tree cutting in front of the building, which breaches Punjab’s tree conservation regulations.
The CVO has mandated the relevant MC official to investigate the situation, take necessary actions according to existing norms, and keep the complainant informed about any decisions made.
Complainant Critiques Officials
Social activist Kuldeep Singh Khaira, the originator of the complaint, has expressed dissatisfaction with the building department officials for their apparent inaction. Khaira pointed out that when he first brought up the issue, construction on the ground floor was already underway. He claimed that it is the responsibility of the Assistant Town Planner (ATP) and building inspector to monitor illegal constructions and land-use changes. “However, both have failed to act, allowing the construction of the second floor to continue unabated,” Khaira argued.
Additionally, he accused officials of neglecting to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the unauthorized tree cutting. Khaira also mentioned an alleged previous instance of official complicity, asserting that another building sealed by the MC last year was reopened by its owner in “active connivance” with the same ATP and building inspector, with illegal commercial operations currently ongoing there.
