Mohali Mayor Amarjit Singh ‘Jiti’ Sidhu on Wednesday levelled serious allegations against the bureaucracy over the ongoing anti-encroachment drive in the city, terming it “biased, selective and an instance of unwarranted high-handedness”. While asserting his respect for the orders of the high court and willingness to comply with them, the Mayor said the manner in which officials are executing the drive is arbitrary and discriminatory.
Questioning the logic behind beginning the drive from Phase 4, Sidhu said it could have equally started from Phase 6 or Phase 11. He pointed out that the drive first reached Phase 11 after commencing from Phase 4, then shifted to Phase 10, and after facing resistance there, was diverted to Phase 7. Alleging political targeting, he claimed that areas represented by Congress councillors saw extensive demolition, while localities close to the ruling dispensation witnessed only “token action”.
The Mayor further alleged that mandatory procedures were completely bypassed. “No 90-day notices were served, no awareness camps were organised, and no announcements were made through public address systems,” he said. Highlighting the human impact, he added that many affected houses belonged to families with elderly residents aged between 85 and 90 years, while several families reside outside the city. “Their houses were demolished and left unsecured, virtually inviting thefts,” he remarked.
Slamming the absence of post-demolition planning, Sidhu said no plan, estimate or maintenance programme was prepared after the action, which has further deteriorated the city’s condition. Issuing a warning to the bureaucracy, he stated, “Governments change, but it is the people who suffer. Officers too will have to answer for their actions one day.”
Appealing to the MLA and the government, the Mayor urged them to treat the city uniformly and immediately end the pick-and-choose policy.
500-KLD STP approved for Green Enclave
Announcing major relief for residents of Green Enclave, Sidhu said a 500-KLD sewage treatment plant (STP), at an estimated cost of around Rs 4 crore, has been approved. “With this project, the sewage problem in the area will be resolved permanently. The file has been cleared and work will commence shortly,” he said.
Phase-11 storm water pipeline: Officials directed to complete pending work
The Mayor informed that he chaired a meeting at 12:30 pm with officials from GMADA, the Public Health Department, Irrigation Department and the Municipal Corporation (MC). During the meeting, it was decided that the incomplete stormwater pipeline in Phase 11 would be extended and completed. The issue pertains to the ward of former Senior Deputy Mayor Rishav Jain (since deceased).
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Sidhu stated that the Mohali civic body is awaiting Rs 270 crore from GMADA for various development works. He further said that the Corporation is expected to generate an additional Rs 25 crore in revenue by March 2026. Urging the MLA to intervene, the Mayor said the pending dues must be released to ensure smooth execution of development projects in the city.
‘Cities aren’t built by roundabouts or videos’
Taking a sharp dig at MLA Kulwant Singh, the Mayor said that if there is genuine concern for the city’s development, elected representatives should attend MC House meetings and participate in open discussions.
“Cities are not transformed by building roundabouts or making videos; they require vision and understanding,” he said.
He questioned why the MLA avoids House meetings despite being invited each time. “I have been in business for 35 years. I know exactly how much money the corporation has and how much is yet to be received,” he asserted.
