Anti-encroachment drive enters third day in Mohali’s Phase 3B2

Councillor alleges bias

Councillor Jaspreet Singh Gill alleged that with municipal elections approaching, strict action is being selectively carried out in wards represented by Congress councillors. “People are ready to remove encroachments themselves, but time is being granted selectively, which reflects discrimination,” he alleged.

GMADA explains policy

Former Deputy Mayor Manjit Singh Sethi, who was present at the site, clarified GMADA’s policy, stating that landscaping is permitted up to five feet from boundary walls and up to 7.5 feet for corner houses. “Any permanent structure beyond this limit is considered an illegal encroachment,” he said.

Tension during removal from government park

Tension escalated when iron grills were removed from a government park. The situation turned volatile after a resident sat in front of a JCB machine in protest, forcing the authorities to halt the drive for nearly two hours.

Key questions raised by residents

* What is GMADA’s actual and written policy regarding landscaping around residential houses?

* If the court verdict was delivered in 2020, why has the action been initiated suddenly after several years?

* Why was no action taken even after public notices were issued by GMADA in 2023?

* Who will maintain and look after the land after encroachments are removed?

* What is the plan to address issues related to stray animals, garbage and security in the cleared areas?

* What action will be taken where encroachments have reappeared at sites cleared earlier?

* The continuing drive has sparked widespread debate among residents, who are demanding clarity, consistency and transparency in the implementation of the anti-encroachment policy.