Mohali, March 19: Authorities in Mohali have initiated criminal proceedings against 35 entities for the illegal construction of farmhouses and hotels on protected land near Siswan. Acting on directives from GMADA, the police registered the cases as part of a wider effort to clear de-listed forest land of unauthorized commercial activity.
The case gained significant momentum in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where a PIL alleges that influential figures from Chandigarh, Punjab, and Haryana have bypassed land-use norms. Court documents indicated that the number of flagged violations has grown to 193 following detailed branch surveys. GMADA officials asserted that they are currently processing names for additional FIRs to ensure all 59 primary violators face legal consequences.
A communication sent to the SSP declared that the properties in question—spanning 15 villages—frequently host unauthorized social functions. Karoran village emerged as a major hub for these activities, with 15 identified violators, while other regions like Jayanti Majri and Pallanpur also reported multiple breaches. Officials maintained that several properties were registered under shadow titles to shield the true identities of the owners.
The High Court has deferred further hearings to allow the state’s Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report on the enforcement actions taken so far. Government representatives affirmed their commitment to preserving the ecological sensitivity of the Shivalik range. “The process to register cases against the remaining individuals is currently underway,” a senior official stated, affirming that no violator will be exempt from the law.
