ACB Probes 2,600 Illegal Colonies in Haryana

Chandigarh, May 5: Officials from urban local bodies, town and country planning, and district revenue offices are facing possible administrative and penal action as the Haryana State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau enters the final stage of a probe into around 2,600 illegal colonies.

Probe Details

The bureau is investigating illegal colonies that allegedly came up in violation of multiple laws and norms. Large-scale demolition drives are also being planned, sources indicated.

Court Direction

HSVACB Director General A S Chawla said the probe was being conducted under the directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. "Our teams are investigating as per the guidelines laid down by the court. The probe is at an advanced stage and the report will be submitted directly to the court," Chawla said.

What Constitutes Illegal Colonies

Housing, institutional and industrial blocks developed on agricultural land without obtaining change-of-land-use permission or no-objection certificates from the TCP department and civic bodies are classified as illegal colonies.

Investigation Scope

The vigilance headquarters has distributed the probe across all four ranges covering the state, with SP-rank officers supervising the exercise. Teams are being assisted by technical experts from various departments.

The investigation will also identify government employees and officers who allegedly colluded with developers in carving out illegal colonies.