Ludhiana: Activists file a complaint over encroachments on park land

Members of the Public Action Committee have filed a complaint with the local bodies department and the municipal corporation, urging the removal of encroachments on lands designated for public parks in the Haibowal Dairy Complex. Activists claim to have identified 36 parks and greenbelts in the areas affected, including one location where the municipal corporation has set up a hot mix plant.

According to the activists, this scheme violates the Supreme Court orders, National Green Tribunal (NGT) guidelines and several environmental laws that protect green spaces. They allege that operating a hot mix plant – a source of air pollution – in a park in a residential and dairy area violates Central Pollution Control Board guidelines. Despite repeated notices to the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) and the municipal corporation, the factory has not been shifted, further deteriorating the already polluted environment.

“The Supreme Court and the NGT have clearly held that the intended purpose of parks cannot be changed, but the municipal corporation has encroached on these park areas, altering their use and damaging the environment. In addition to the encroachment by the company, some parks may have been taken over by private individuals, which also requires investigation and immediate action,” said one of the activists.

The commission has given the authorities a period of 15 days to take satisfactory action. If there is no response, they plan to approach the NGT to discuss their grievances and seek environmental compensation from the responsible departments.

Meanwhile, assistant town planner Mohan Singh did not respond to queries on the issue.