Govt quiet on illegal constructions despite notification month back

The government has been caught on a backfoot regarding the notification under which the Town and Country Planning Department issued directions to all departments concerned for disconnecting water...

The government has been caught on a backfoot regarding the notification under which the Town and Country Planning TCP Department issued directions to all departments concerned for disconnecting water, sewerage and electricity connections of all unauthorised constructions across the state. The notification was issued on October 18.

Despite issuing directions to the Electricity, Irrigation and Public Health Departments and Shimla Municipal Corporation, the government is so far quiet over execution of the directions under the notification. Keeping in view the pending suit in the High Court regarding unauthorised constructions, for the time being the TCP is also treading cautiously and has asked all functionaries concerned across the state to just compile the number of such unauthorised constructions, which is expected to be presented to the court.

As per information already presented to the court, the TCP had stated that the number of such structures across the state was 13,000 and the court had noted that it was a large number in a small state like Himachal.

The latest information about unauthorised structures has already reached the TCP headquarters, where the final figure would be ascertained before November 20, when the case is listed for hearing in the High Court.

Sources say that Shimla Municipal Corporation has supplied information regarding 1,310 unauthorised constructions within its jurisdiction, including the newly merged areas. About 1,130 cases are pending for hearing before the Municipal Commissioner. In 44 cases, demolition orders have been passed but have not been executed, 38 cases have been remanded back from different courts, on 75 constructions the court has issued a stay against demolition orders and nearly 10 other cases are pending in various courts. Director, TCP, A.S. Rathaur said, 8220;We are just compiling the number of unauthorised structures.8221; When asked about execution of orders issued under its October 18 notification, he said the department would wait for court8217;s directions for taking action against defaulters.