3 min readChandigarhDec 13, 2023 05:33 PM IST
First published on: Dec 13, 2023 at 05:30 PM IST
The wall of the over-a-century-old Canal Rest House at Madhopur in Punjab’s Pathankot, where Deputy Commissioner Harbir Singh had been residing, was demolished and land worth about Rs 5.50 crore was usurped right under the official’s nose.
According to a fact-finding report, Singh allegedly did not act even after the issue was brought to his notice by the officials of the Department of Water Resources. He also directed an official of the Department of Panchayati Raj to construct another wall on the approach road leading to the rest house, as per the report.
The findings are part of the inquiry conducted by commissioner, Jalandhar Division, into the matter. The commissioner has indicated a case of encroachment in the fact-finding report.
The commissioner was asked to inquire into the issue after the matter was brought to the notice of Chief Secretary Anurag Verma.
After the findings of the inquiry report, the Department of Personnel has issued a show cause notice to Singh. Singh has been given two weeks to reply as to why action should not be initiated against him for the lapses.
The notice said the principal secretary, Department of Water Resources, has brought to the notice of the Government that private persons encroached upon the land of the Canal Rest House at Madhopur.
“Why didn’t the DC take suitable action when the wall of the rest house cum DC Residence /Camp Office was dismantled, particularly when this matter was brought to his notice by the Departmental Officers (SDO Canals Pardeep Kumar)?” read the notice.
“Why suitable action was not taken before the issue was formally pointed out by the Principal Secretary, Water Resources, and under what circumstances did he direct the XEN, Panchayati Raj, to construct an unauthorised wall/fencing over the land of the Department of Water Resources? Was it to facilitate the unauthorised encroachment by private people?” it added.
It also questioned Singh over allowing private persons to construct the fencing or temporary wall over the land of the Department of Water Resources.
On his part, Singh said all allegations were false.
“No show-cause notice has been issued to me. I have rather been absolved of all the charges by the inquiry. Some people were out to get me and assassinate my character. The inquiry report has stated that all the charges are lies. The inquiry has also found out that the land in question is only worth Rs 6 lakh and not worth crores. That has been proven to be false,” said Singh.
“The government had sent an independent team. They have debunked the lies of the water resources department. But someone wants to keep the issue alive. All this was a concocted story. There were mistakes in the ‘nishandehyi’ (demarcation of land). The allegations were going on but I was not heard. If. They issue me a show cause notice, I will at least get an opportunity to be heard,” he added.
Constructed during the British era, the 107-year-old rest house is near Shahpur Kandi barrage.
Over-a-century-old Canal Rest House at Madhopur in Punjab’s Pathankot (Photo Credit: Special Arrangement) 
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