The “Zero Tolerance” policy against unauthorized urbanization was on full display in Ambala today as the DTCP enforcement wing dismantled a burgeoning illegal settlement on the city’s outskirts.
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The Operation: The drive began early in the morning near the Ambala-Hisar Highway belt, where developers had carved out plots on agricultural land. Despite initial protests from some local residents and property dealers, the demolition continued under the protection of over 50 police personnel.
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Targeted Structures: The primary focus was on 20 residential structures that had reached the lintel or foundation stage. Additionally, an illegal site office used by the developers to lure buyers was also razed.
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Official Warning: The District Town Planner (Enforcement) emphasized that these colonies lack basic civic amenities like proper drainage, streetlights, and metered electricity. “These colonizers dupe innocent buyers by promising cheap land, but these structures are legally void. We had issued multiple notices to stop construction, which were ignored,” the DTP stated.
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Next Steps: The department has directed the Tehsildar’s office to halt the registration of sale deeds for specific Khasra numbers associated with this illegal site. Furthermore, FIRs are being drafted against three main developers identified during the investigation.
Community Sentiment
“We invested our life savings here because the plot was affordable. The dealer told us the regularisation was ‘in process.’ Seeing the house being pulled down is heartbreaking, but we now realize we were sold a lie. The government should catch the dealers who take our money, not just break the bricks,” said a distraught buyer at the site.
