Over 3000 encroachments identified in walled city: Minister

JAIPUR: Over 3130 encroachments and illegal constructions have been identified in Walled City of Jaipur in a survey conducted in 2019 that have changed face of heritage buildings, urban development and housing minister Shanti Dhariwal said on Friday.

Replying to a question raised by BJP legislator Jagsiram during Question Hour, Dhariwal informed the House that several areas of walled city have been damaged and encroachment has occurred, which has led to change in the face of hundreds of buildings, including change in outer shape and additional floor construction.

He said that over 3130 encroachments and illegal constructions have been identified in a drone and manual survey conducted in 2019.

Dhariwal said that people living in walled city areas have been doing Illegal constructions and encroachments from several decades. Since January 2019 to till date, 739 notices have been issued by Jaipur Municipal Corporation.

He said that due to Covid pandemic situation, action against illegal constructions and encroachments in walled city areas could not be done as campaign due to the pandemic. But, action has been taken after any such case has come into notice of the Corporation.

The minister informed the House that from January 2019 to February 2021, 11 construction works were at the cost of Rs 55.37 crore under Smart City project in walled city area. Works costing Rs 387.90 are under progress.

Maintenance and repair work of monuments was done at the cost of ₹2 crore released by Amber Development and Management Authority.

126 approved works of Rs 28.46 crore given by Jaipur Heritage Municipal Corporation is being done, out of which 95 works have completed and progress on remaining works is on, the minister said.

‘Tendency of consuming drugs increasing’

Parliamentary affairs Minister Shanti Dhariwal informed the House that tendency of consuming drugs is increasing day by day in youths residing in hamlets and villages of Bassi assembly constituency. The police is constantly taking action on such cases.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Laxman Meena, he said in last two years a total of 47 cases were registered and action against 72 were taken.

The minister informed across the state - In 2019, over 2500 cases were lodged and 3881arrested; similarly in 2020 – 0ver 2700 cases lodged and 4353 were arrested. “The government is serious on the issue and is taking all possible assistance of neighouring states to curb it but results weren’t coming satisfactory. Thereafter the SOG was asked to probe, which is giving good results.

Intervening in it, Leader of opposition Gulab Chand Kataria said the police are aware of where the gang is operating from but somehow could not act on it. He suggested, if required necessary amendments should be made in the law for effective action.

DHARIWAL SAID ENCROACHMENTS HAVE CHANGED FACE OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS.