According to sources, 30 persons, owning houses on a big chunk of land earmarked for the Public Works Department (PWD) for the expansion of highway, have been asked to demolish these illegal structures within fifteen days from the date of issuance of notices. A senior MC official told Newsline that in case of non-compliance of notices, enforcement staff would raze these unauthorised dwelling units and owners will be charged accordingly.

Quoting the MC Act under which these demolition notices were issued, he disclosed that these structures were raised haphazardly and no zoning plan had so far been approved before its construction.

He further added that similar notices were served in 1975 and 1976, but action had not been since taken because of alleged political pressure.

Meanwhile, Dera Bassi residents criticised the MC officials for serving demolition notices on more than 25-year-old houses. They said that the plots measuring from 2 marla to 10 marlas were got registered in 1975 and 1976. They told Newsline that they would soon meet the Punjab Finance Minister Capt. Kanwaljit Singh and submit a memorandum demanding withdrawal of demolition notices.

They also threatened that they would oppose unitedly by organising human chain at time of demolitions. The enforcement staff would not be allowed to enter into the area, they added.