Alleged September of the 475-Acre Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Pakhowal Road Scheme into an Illegal Commercial Hub; Punjab State Human Rights Commission Takes Cognizance
Ludhiana: The 475-acre scheme in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, once regarded as a well-planned and prestigious residential development of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT), is allegedly losing its original residential character due to large-scale unauthorised commercial activities and construction.
Social activist Arvind Sharma has alleged that extensive commercial activities have developed in various blocks of the scheme—D, E, F, G and H—even though the area was originally developed for residential use. A further serious concern is that the Ludhiana Improvement Trust had installed proper safety grills along the main-road side of E Block and F Block of the 475 Acres Scheme for public safety and protection of government property. However, certain persons allegedly damaged and removed/broke these government-installed grills and, after causing damage to public property, converted what was originally the rear side of their properties into a front-facing side.
This matter is not merely an issue of unauthorised alteration or misuse; it also involves the alleged damage to government property and misuse of public infrastructure. The Punjab State Human Rights Commission has also taken cognisance of the matter and issued directions for an inquiry to ascertain why and by whom the government property was damaged and to take appropriate action against those found responsible, in accordance with law.
Therefore, it is imperative that the Ludhiana Improvement Trust and the Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana, conduct a fair and time-bound inquiry into the matter, fix responsibility for the damage caused to government property, and initiate appropriate legal action against the persons responsible. The damaged public property should also be restored to its original condition in the interest of public safety and protection of government assets.He alleged that violations of building bylaws continued due to the alleged negligence, collusion or pressure from influential persons, while effective action was not taken in time.
Sharma said that serious allegations have been made regarding the operation of commercial activities, including a multi-storey hotel, even in a completely residential area such as Block D. Similarly, complaints have been received regarding the operation of hotels, paying guest accommodations and other commercial establishments at several locations. He demanded that the concerned department clarify what actual action was taken after any construction or activity permission was cancelled. Merely recording a “cancellation” in official records or issuing notices is not sufficient. If the construction was illegal, why was it not stopped, sealed or subjected to other action as required by law?
He further alleged that buildings are being interconnected at several locations and used for commercial purposes. An independent investigation into electricity connections, fire-safety compliance and other mandatory statutory approvals is also necessary. Sharma demanded that the concerned department conduct on-site inspections and verify the approval status, usage, fire-safety arrangements and electricity connections of every building.
Allegations have also been made regarding construction and usage in deviation from approved designs in the main market of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. Several properties originally developed as Shop-cum-Flats are allegedly being converted for use as Shop-cum-Offices or other commercial establishments. Complaints have also emerged regarding the alleged unauthorised use of basements and serious parking problems at certain locations.
Sharma said that unregulated commercial activities have continuously worsened traffic, parking and pollution problems in the area. The pollution situation becomes qa particularly concerning during winter. In such circumstances, unregulated commercial activities in a well-planned residential area are affecting the lives, health and peaceful environment of local residents.
A complaint regarding the matter was also submitted to the Punjab State Human Rights Commission, as well as to the Governor of Punjab, the Chief Minister, concerned officials of the Local Bodies Department, the Municipal Corporation Commissioner and officials of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust. According to Sharma, despite repeated complaints, no satisfactory action on the ground has been visible.
Subsequently, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission took cognizance of the complaint and sought a detailed action-taken report from Ludhiana Improvement Trust Chairman Mr. Tarsem Binder regarding the allegations made in the complaint. As per the Commission’s order, the concerned officials have been directed to take necessary action and submit the factual position.
Arvind Sharma has demanded that the district administration, particularly the Deputy Commissioner of Ludhiana, personally arrange an inspection of the entire area and order a joint investigation. He demanded that every alleged unauthorised construction, commercial use, hotel, paying guest accommodation, basement usage, building floor, fire-safety arrangement and electricity connection be investigated, and that action be taken in accordance with law against responsible officials and those violating the rules.
He said that it will now be important to see whether actual action is taken on the ground after the Punjab State Human Rights Commission took cognizance of the matter, or whether the alleged unauthorised commercial activities that have continued for years will carry on in the same manner.
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