Latest news with #HaridwarMunicipalCorporation
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Haridwar land scam: Civic body to move court to cancel sale deed
Haridwar: The Haridwar Municipal Corporation (HMC) said on Wednesday that it plans to initiate legal proceedings to cancel the sale deed of a 2.3-hectare plot it had purchased near a garbage dumping site in Sarai village following a change in land's use from agricultural to commercial, inflating its value considerably, leading to a land scam in which several govt officials were allegedly complicit. HMC officials met newly- appointed district magistrate (DM) Mayur Dixit on Wednesday and are now seeking legal advice from the district govt counsel. "We discussed the matter with the DM and are consulting the district govt counsel for legal advice. The sellers' bank accounts have been frozen so far. If necessary, we will move the civil court to cancel the sale deed," Haridwar municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar told TOI. DM Dixit added, "A meeting is scheduled on Friday to discuss the matter further. Action will be taken accordingly." District govt counsel (revenue) Vijay Pal Singh said, "A sale deed can be canceled either by mutual consent or by filing a suit in civil court. In this case, a suit will be filed in the senior division civil court. The process takes time, and the aggrieved party can appeal to the high court after the civil court proceedings." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Following recommendations by a probe committee, Haridwar district magistrate Karmendra Singh, formerly the HMC administrator, was suspended by the govt on Tuesday, along with IAS officer Varun Chaudhary, who was municipal commissioner when the deal happened. SDM Haridwar Ajayveer Singh, a PCS officer, senior finance officer Nikita Bisht, senior personal assistant Vicky, registrar kanungo Rajesh Kumar and chief administrative officer of Haridwar tehsil Kamaldas were also suspended. The roots of the alleged scam date back to Sept 2024, when farmers from Sarai village approached HMC with a proposal to sell their land, citing its proximity to the garbage dump and unsuitability for agriculture. The proposal was swiftly approved by the then-SDM, and by Nov 2024, the land was purchased by the municipal corporation. The transaction was finalised through three separate registries, with the land sold by Jitendra Kumar, his wife Suman Devi and his brother Dhanpal Singh. Following the launch of an official inquiry in May, the administration froze the sellers' bank accounts. Dhanpal died during the probe. Investigation revealed that the use of the land was hurriedly changed from agricultural to commercial just before the sale, causing the circle rate to spike from Rs 6,000 per sqm to Rs 25,000 per sqm. This inflated price was allegedly facilitated by govt officials involved in the deal in exchange for kickbacks from farmers. Meanwhile, social activists have demanded urgent registration of an FIR in the matter. Activist JP Badoni told TOI, "The matter should be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation and an FIR must be registered immediately. The farmers should be questioned to identify the main conspirators behind the scam."
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Haridwar locals struggle to sell properties near waste site where civic body bought land at inflated rate
HARIDWAR : The alleged scam involving the sale of a 2.3-hectare plot next to a garbage dumping site in Sarai village has left locals stunned. Villagers were shocked to learn that the Haridwar Nagar Nigam purchased the land for Rs 54 crore, even as they themselves struggle to sell their properties, despite slashing prices, due to the foul odour and polluted air from the dumping site. Action has been taken against 12 officials, including Haridwar district magistrate (DM) Karmendra Singh , sub-divisional magistrate Ajayveer Singh and the then commissioner of the Haridwar Municipal Corporation . The alleged scam centres on the conversion of the land's use from agricultural to commercial, inflating its value from Rs 15 crore to Rs 54 crore. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued directions to cancel the sale deed and recover the payment made to the farmers whose bank accounts have been frozen. Ironically, the same farmers who secured the inflated rate had previously been unable to find buyers due to the site's proximity to the dumping ground. The facility has made daily life difficult for residents, especially when it comes to arranging marriages for their children. Residents are furious that despite repeated promises by the municipal corporation to manage waste properly, garbage continues to pile up at the site. That the same corporation is now embroiled in the scam has only deepened public anger. A resident, Lakshmi Devi, told TOI, "Before the dumping ground, we were happy. The entire village was living a good life, but now it is like living in hell. Our relatives shy away from coming to our homes, and we are facing difficulties searching for a groom and bride for the young ones. Somehow girls find grooms, but no one is ready to marry the local boys. Garbage burns continuously, and old people and children are facing breathing problems." Many residents are desperate to relocate, but efforts to sell their properties have failed. Local resident Rahul Kumar said, "We do not want to live here. Many have moved to other areas and are living in rented accommodation, while others are trying to sell their property but no one comes forward due to the dumping ground, even at very low prices. We are surprised how the municipal corporation bought land at a commercial rate." For now, villagers are left to endure the stench and pollution as the case unfolds.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Haridwar land scam: Locals struggle to sell properties near waste site where civic body bought land at inflated rate
Haridwar: The alleged scam involving the sale of a 2.3-hectare plot next to a garbage dumping site in Sarai village has left locals stunned. Villagers were shocked to learn that the Haridwar Nagar Nigam purchased the land for Rs 54 crore, even as they themselves struggle to sell their properties, despite slashing prices, due to the foul odour and polluted air from the dumping site. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Action has been taken against 12 officials, including Haridwar district magistrate (DM) Karmendra Singh, sub-divisional magistrate Ajayveer Singh and the then commissioner of the Haridwar Municipal Corporation. The alleged scam centres on the conversion of the land's use from agricultural to commercial, inflating its value from Rs 15 crore to Rs 54 crore. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued directions to cancel the sale deed and recover the payment made to the farmers whose bank accounts have been frozen. Ironically, the same farmers who secured the inflated rate had previously been unable to find buyers due to the site's proximity to the dumping ground. The facility has made daily life difficult for residents, especially when it comes to arranging marriages for their children. Residents are furious that despite repeated promises by the municipal corporation to manage waste properly, garbage continues to pile up at the site. That the same corporation is now embroiled in the scam has only deepened public anger. A resident, Lakshmi Devi, told TOI, "Before the dumping ground, we were happy. The entire village was living a good life, but now it is like living in hell. Our relatives shy away from coming to our homes, and we are facing difficulties searching for a groom and bride for the young ones. Somehow girls find grooms, but no one is ready to marry the local boys. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Garbage burns continuously, and old people and children are facing breathing problems. " Many residents are desperate to relocate, but efforts to sell their properties have failed. Local resident Rahul Kumar said, "We do not want to live here. Many have moved to other areas and are living in rented accommodation, while others are trying to sell their property but no one comes forward due to the dumping ground, even at very low prices. We are surprised how the municipal corporation bought land at a commercial rate. " For now, villagers are left to endure the stench and pollution as the case unfolds.
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Time of India
Loo & behold! Haridwar's public toilets turn into storage spaces, living quarters
Haridwar: Public lavatories across Haridwar are being used as storage spaces and dwellings, while many others remain closed or dysfunctional, forcing people to defecate in the open. As a major tourist hub, Haridwar welcomes thousands daily who struggle due to insufficient public toilets. This affects both visitors and residents. One facility in the district headquarters is occupied by a vendor for storage, and another near the Jawalapur motorway serves as living quarters. Numerous others in the city and outskirts remain non-operational. Despite repeated complaints, officials have yet to take corrective action. Social activist Adheer Kaushik told TOI, "Haridwar is a religious place, but public toilets in the city are not functioning properly. Some time ago, I caught liquor being stored in the public toilet at Bairagi Camp, used by smugglers to evade police. Many toilets are dysfunctional and have been shut down by agencies, forcing tourists and locals to defecate in the open. The poor condition extends beyond tourist areas to govt buildings as well. We have submitted a written complaint to the district administration urging prompt action." Open defecation is a serious concern in Haridwar, especially during the Kanwar mela and other festivals, when pilgrims must resort to using open spaces. The Haridwar Municipal Corporation says it has installed smart toilets in busy areas. District magistrate Karmendra Singh told TOI, "I have ordered officials to conduct a survey and take action. Encroachments on public toilets will be removed, and those responsible will be held accountable. "
