MOHALI: The Greater Mohali Development Authority (GMADA) has issued a warning that FIRs will be filed against individuals engaging in illegal construction across six villages in New Chandigarh: Mirzapur, Jayanti Majri, Bharonjian, Karoran, and Seonk.
This statement comes in response to recent reports of unauthorized building activities in the region. GMADA has made it clear that any construction undertaken without their prior approval is prohibited, and violators will face stringent legal consequences.
In an affidavit presented to the NGT, GMADA’s Additional Chief Administrator (ACA) Rakesh Kumar Popli disclosed that action is being enforced against offenders who have violated various regulations, including the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act, and the Punjab New Capital Periphery Act. Popli mentioned that notices have already been dispatched to numerous violators, with 62 notices issued to defaulters since the beginning of 2023.
Previously, GMADA conducted demolition operations in Karoran, Perch, Soenk, Mullanpur, Garibdass, Parol, and Nada villages. The affidavit emphasized that New Chandigarh has emerged as a hotspot for rampant construction activities breaching planning and forest regulations. The NGT is currently investigating widespread construction along the periphery of Chandigarh, with many instances of encroachment on government and forest lands reported, including unauthorized farmhouses and buildings in the area.
Officials have acknowledged that some former ministers and forest department officials are also under scrutiny for allegedly assisting builders in these illegal activities. GMADA has reiterated its commitment to pursuing action against violators to uphold compliance with planning and environmental laws.
