150 unauthorised religious structures on govt land, Chandigarh DC orders removal
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Chandigarh: More than 150
unauthorised religious structures
have encroached govt land. Chandigarh deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav on Thursday directed the removal of all these expeditiously.
In compliance with the directives issued by the Supreme Court and Punjab and Haryana high court, a review meeting was held under the chairmanship of the DC on Thursday.
The meeting was convened to assess the status of the removal and relocation of unauthorised religious structures erected on public land across the city.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from key nodal departments, including the Forest Department, Chandigarh Housing Board, Estate Office, Land Acquisition Office, Municipal Corporation, and UT Engineering Department. The Forest Department identified three unauthorised religious structures on forest land.
As of the latest update, none were removed. The Deputy Commissioner directed the Forest Department to initiate immediate action in all cases where no legal impediments exist, ensuring strict adherence to court orders.
The Land Acquisition Office identified 16 unauthorised religious structures on acquired land. Of these, acquisition notifications in three cases were quashed by the court, and Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) were filed in two cases before the Supreme Court, whereas the removal process is underway for the remaining structures.
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The department was instructed to intensify legal follow-up and expedite removal in all cases where no judicial stay is operative.
The Engineering Department identified 58 unauthorised religious structures on land under its jurisdiction, 11 were removed. The removal process for the remaining structures is currently in progress. The Deputy Commissioner directed the department to accelerate the pace of action, particularly in cases where court proceedings do not bar demolition, and to prioritise cases where notices have already been issued.
The Municipal Corporation stated that out of 118 identified unauthorised religious structures, 24 were demolished to date. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the need for vigorous follow-up and timely resolution of all cases that are not under legal stay.
The Deputy Commissioner directed that the departments must ensure immediate fencing and securing of reclaimed land to prevent re-encroachment. They must coordinate effectively with the Enforcement Wing of the Estate Office and the Sub-Divisional Magistrates (Central, East, and South) to facilitate removal operations.
They have also been directed to submit updated Action Taken Reports (ATRs) to the Deputy Commissioner's Office by the end of this month.
Reiterating the seriousness of the issue, the Deputy Commissioner underscored that compliance with judicial directives is mandatory and non-negotiable. Any delays, negligence, or non-compliance will attract strict accountability. All departments have been directed to function in a mission mode, with clearly defined timelines, to ensure that public land in Chandigarh is duly protected and utilised in accordance with its designated purpose.
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