Civic body mulls regularising violations in 2 rehab colonies

Sandeep Rana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 24

On the line of the one-time settlement offered to CHB allottees for need-based changes, the local Municipal Corporation has proposed to regularise building violations carried out by 4,298 allottees on the payment of a one-time fee at the Mauli Jagran and Sector 52 rehabilitation colonies.

Most of the people here have violated the terms and conditions of allotment by making unauthorised constructions like cantilevers, toilets or a storey. About 80 to 90 per cent of the licensees have sold out the transit sites on the general power of attorney.

In this regard, violation notices are also being issued by the branch concerned. However, it appears to be a tough task to root out all illegal occupants and cancel/resume the transit sites.

Area councillors Chandrawati Shukla and Anil Dubey want suitable changes in the policy and building violations regularised by way of one-time payment to give relief to needy poor people and stop the issuance of the notices.

“When no action is being taken against CHB dwellers for building violations, why are the poor being targeted? Just like them, these colonies should also be given a one-time settlement offer. There should be no discrimination,” said councillor Shukla.

Based on a representation of the two councillors, the corporation is bringing an agenda for approval at the General House meeting, scheduled for Friday. If approved by the House, the final nod will be from the UT Administration.

For the rehabilitation of economically weaker sections of society living in slum conditions, the Licensing of Tenements and Sites and Services in Chandigarh Scheme-1979 was introduced by the UT Administration. Transit sites were allotted in 1998 following a biometric survey in 1997.

Under the scheme, only the ground floor was to be used for different trades, but the allottees built to two-three floors. Many of them earned a huge amount by selling the houses.

Councillors root for changes in policy

Area councillors Chandrawati Shukla and Anil Dubey want suitable changes in the policy and building violations regularised by way of one-time payment to give relief to needy poor people and stop the issuance of the notices.

Cow cess for vehicles

Chandigarh: All vehicles purchased from outside, but registered with the RLA in the city may have to pay cow cess. The matter will be taken up in the MC House meeting for approval. The cess is already being levied on vehicles purchased from the city.

‘No discrimination, please’

When no action is being taken against CHB dwellers for building violations, why are the poor being targeted? Just like them, these colonies should also be given a one-time settlement offer. There should be no discrimination.- Chandrawati Shukla, Councillor