EXPLAINER:Hisar’s mushrooming illegal colonies face HC’s axe
The mushrooming of unauthorised colonies in Hisar has been a major issue for the district for quite some time now. Agricultural fields in the outskirts of Hisar town, and in Hansi and some rural parts of the district, are being developed as residential colonies without approval from the competent authorities.Those setting up these illegal colonies have been duping innocent, gullible people, with the practice causing losses to the state exchequer. While disposing of a petition pertaining to the issue, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued directions to take action against these unauthorised colonies.
What directions has the HC issued to the District Town Planner?
The HC issued directions to the District Town Planner (DTP) of the Hisar Town and Country Planning Department on August 4 to take action in this regard, while disposing of a petition related to the setting up of an unauthorised colony here.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal and Justice Shalini Singh Nagpal directed the DTP take action as per law within three months.
What prompted the HC to issue these directions?
High court advocate Pradeep Duhan, on behalf of one Sandeep of Kaimri village, had filed a petition before the Punjab and Haryana High Court on July 4, alleging that unauthorised colonies were being developed along Kaimri Road. The petition sought the court’s intervention to stop the illegal construction, and the resource diversion affecting the village. This prompted the high court to issue directions to the DTP to take action.
What is the key issue raised by the complainant?
The complainant alleged that multiple illegal colonies were being developed along Kaimri Road from the Kaimri (Minor) canal to Hisar. It was claimed that, whenever the DTP intervened and dug up unauthorised roads, builders would quickly rebuild them, without facing penalties. He also alleged that the Forest Department had not acted against illegal pathways, and that warning boards in this regard used a small, difficult-to-read font. He alleged that illegal water connections had been drawn from the Kaimri village water works to supply to these colonies, resulting in a water crisis at the village.
What legal action has been sought?
A writ petition filed under articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution sought a court directive to stop and demolish illegal constructions in Kaimri’s agricultural areas, citing violations of the Punjab Scheduled Roads and Controlled Areas Restriction of Unregulated Development Act, 1963, and the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975. The state government informed the court that proceedings had already been initiated against the private respondents.
Has the Town & Country Planning Dept initiated action against other illegal colonies?
DTP Dinesh Kumar said the department had dismantled structures in 22 illegal colonies in three months, and notices had been served to 31 such illegal sites, and action would be initiated against them as per norms.
What is the Gokul Dham case?
The Hisar DTP has issued a public notice warning against purchasing plots, flats, or commercial units in Gokul Dham Colony, Hansi. The colony is spread over about 28 acres in the Hansi Revenue Estate near Hotel Royal Wings on the Hansi-Delhi Road. According to the DTP, the colony does not have a valid licence under the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975.
How can prospective buyers verify colony licences?
Prospective buyers can check the legal status of a colony by visiting the Town and Country Planning Department’s official website (www.tcpharyana.gov.in), or contacting the District Town Planner’s office at the HSVP Complex in Hisar.
Haryana Tribune