Panchkula: To curb large-scale building norm violations, the Panchkula municipal corporation has launched a comprehensive survey across all 42 villages falling under its jurisdiction.The civic body has formed specialised teams to identify structures built without no-objection certificates (NOCs) or approved building maps. Officials noted that several residents converted two-story homes into five-story structures without authorisation, while others encroached directly on MC land. Following the survey, a composite list of non-compliant properties will be compiled.Property owners found with violations will be issued notices to either remove the unauthorised structures or obtain the required NOCs to regularise them. Failure to comply within the notice period will result in sealing or demolition by the civic body.Explaining the necessity of the drive, municipal commissioner Vinay Kumar said, “If we will have the right information about the building, then only we can calculate the exact property tax. Also, if 30 persons are residing in place of five in a building, then the corporation will have to make arrangements for sewerage systems, water supply, sanitation, parks and other infrastructure according to that. Thus, the survey is necessary for us.”Kumar noted that while violations exist in urban sectors, the majority are concentrated in rural areas. Last week, the civic body sealed six commercial buildings operating without approved plans.Reiterating the purpose of enforcement, the civic body chief added, “The objective of the enforcement drive is to ensure that development within the municipal limits takes place in a planned, safe, systematic and legally compliant manner. Adherence to approved building plans and statutory requirements is essential for maintaining the orderly growth and civic infrastructure of Panchkula.”However, enforcement efforts may encounter local political pressure. Officials said that following the recent sealing drive, an affected building owner approached the Mayor and the local councillor to lobby for the seals to be removed.
