Residents of several villages in Mohali have threatened to stage a protest against the recently issued building bylaws notices. The Mohali municipal corporation has enforced regulations affecting villages including Mohali, Sohana, Kumbra, Mator, Shahi Majra, and Madanpur. Villagers claim these notices are unlawful and demand their immediate revocation, citing the need for specific building schemes that reflect their living conditions.
- Villagers threaten protest unless building bylaws notices are revoked.
- Delegation submits a memorandum to the Mohali mayor and municipal commissioner.
Villagers Unite Against Building Bylaws
The issuance of building bylaws notices by the Mohali municipal corporation has led to significant unrest among local residents. The notices were directed at several villages, including Sohana and Kumbra, following the new regulations. Led by Parvinder Singh Sohana, a senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal, villagers have submitted a memorandum demanding the withdrawal of these notices. They argue that the regulations imposed under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act of 1976 fail to consider the unique circumstances of rural living. Most houses were built long before these villages came under the corporation’s jurisdiction, making the notices seem arbitrary and unjust.
Villagers assert that urban building regulations cannot be applied to rural areas, especially without a proper scheme tailored to their needs. With narrow roads and densely populated households, the restrictions outlined in the bylaws are deemed impractical. Residents argue that many families live in joint households, which makes the proposed height restrictions and spacing regulations particularly burdensome. Furthermore, they emphasize the lack of essential amenities like parks and hospitals in their villages, which underscores the need for the municipal corporation to focus on improving local infrastructure rather than imposing stringent regulations.
Concerns Over Lack of Local Amenities
In their memorandum, villagers have raised crucial points regarding the lack of basic amenities in Mohali’s villages. They pointed out that the Mohali municipal corporation has failed to provide essential services such as sanitation, clean water supply, and healthcare facilities. This neglect raises questions about the validity of imposing stringent building regulations on an area that remains underdeveloped in terms of infrastructure. The delegation has urged the municipal corporation to address these fundamental issues before enforcing any new bylaws.
Parvinder Sohana has criticized the MC for its inaction, stating that residents are forced to live without adequate healthcare or recreational spaces. He argues that the focus should be on developing a special building scheme that reflects the realities of village life, rather than imposing urban rules that do not suit the context. The villagers have expressed their determination to take a stand against the bylaws, warning of large-scale protests if their demands are not met. This situation highlights the critical need for local governance to engage with the community and adapt regulations that align with the residents’ needs and conditions.
Future Implications of the Protest Threat
If the Mohali municipal corporation fails to respond effectively to the villagers’ concerns, it could result in significant unrest and public protests. The villagers are adamant about their right to live without undue restrictions that do not consider their historical context. A large-scale protest could attract media attention, potentially influencing other rural communities facing similar challenges. This situation emphasizes the importance of local governance in understanding the unique needs of rural populations and the necessity of fostering dialogue between residents and authorities to create regulations that benefit everyone.
