In a proactive move aimed at enhancing community infrastructure across Punjab, the state Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar on Sunday instructed officials concerned to reclaim public lands earmarked for community development. The Minister instructed the Department's regional offices to collaborate with Panchayats and Gram Sabhas to immediately free these lands from encroachments and ensure regular inspections.
Following his recent village tours, the Minister highlighted widespread concerns over encroachments on lands designated for essential public infrastructure. The directive targets reclaiming village peripheries, link roads, ponds, cremation grounds, and sites reserved for schools, dispensaries, veterinary clinics, and Panchayat houses.
The Minister emphasized that such encroachments severely impede the utilization of these spaces for public benefit.
Furthermore, he expressed dismay over the poor maintenance of existing public buildings, including Panchayat houses and community centers, which have been misused for dumping household waste. He underscored the need for stringent measures to remove illegal encroachments, conduct regular inspections to prevent future occupations, and ensure proper upkeep of public facilities.
The Minister called upon the officials to take immediate action against those misusing community facilities, aiming to restore and maintain these spaces for the welfare and development of rural Punjab.
