MOHALI: In a major crackdown on illegal encroachments, the department of drainage and mining on Sunday carried out a demolition drive along the banks of the Patiala Ki Rao rivulet in Nayagaon, Mohali. The operation targeted unauthorized farmhouses, riverside eateries, dhabas, and other illegal constructions along the Chandigarh borders that had encroached upon the river’s natural course.
The drive began around 11.30 am under the supervision of drainage and mining executive engineer Akash Aggarwal and was backed by officials from various departments, including duty magistrate and tehsildar Mohali, Akshay Kundra. Nayagaon SHO inspector Gurmehar Singh Sidhu accompanied the team with a force of 30 police personnel to ensure smooth execution.
Acting on reports of illegal occupation of approximately 195 feet of the river’s width, the team, equipped with two JCB machines, demolished multiple structures that had come up on the riverbed. “Notices were issued to all encroachers, including farmhouse and eatery owners, but they failed to comply. These illegal constructions disrupt the river’s natural flow, increasing the risk of floods. This demolition was necessary,” said Akash Aggarwal.
The demolition squad, which included SDO Pradeep Kumar, JEs Hardeep Singh, Deepak, and Harman, along with patwari Mandeep Singh, razed down several unauthorized structures and illegal mines.
Among the structures demolished was a house located on the Karoran village road, allegedly built by a former officer. Officials said while the front portion stood on private land, the rear of the building had illegally extended onto the riverbank and was taken down during the operation.
Interestingly, the demolition drive proceeded without the presence of officials from the electricity department and municipal council. Aggarwal revealed that he had sent prior written requests for disconnection of electricity and water supplies to prevent any untoward incidents during demolition. However, no representatives showed up on site.
Responding to the absence, PSPCL junior engineer Sandeep Sharma explained that a thunderstorm had damaged power poles near Nada bridge the previous night, and the staff was engaged in emergency restoration work.
Source Homevior.in
