Houses outside lal dora in Chandigarh to get water connections but at a hefty price

                Chandigarh: The BJP-led municipal corporation did approve the agenda of temporary water connections for residents living outside the lal dora at 22 villages in the city, but 
with a caveat. 
The civic body has imposed double domestic charges and hefty construction charges, much to the chagrin of opposition parties, which protested against the financial 
burden. According 
to the opposition, water connections should be provided without imposing double domestic charges and construction charges on old buildings. Regardless of their protests, 
the mayor and 
BJP councillors approved the agenda.Objecting to this, AAP councillor Hardeep Singh said, "Water connection is required, but not by imposing double charges and 
construction charges 
on old buildings. I opposed these hefty charges, but the mayor completely ignored it and allowed the agenda to be approved, placing this unbearable financial burden on 
residents living 
outside Lal Dora."Congress councillor Gurpreet Singh agreed. "It is very wrong that water connections are passed, only to be given at double rates and by applying 
construction charges 
on old buildings. In their hunger to take credit, BJP approved the agenda but through wrong means, which will impose a major financial burden on the public.

This is cheating the residents living outside Lal Dora. There is no logic of imposing a double domestic charge while giving such water connections."BJP faced opposition 
within its ranks 
too, with councillor Kanwar Rana saying that double domestic charges outside lal dora should not be imposed. However, his objection was also ignored and the agenda 
was passed.The 
final decision will be taken by the Chandigarh administration. However, sources said that any construction outside the lal dora is illegal in the eyes of the UT administration, 
which terms 
such construction as illegal.Although the MC held meetings with senior officers of the UT and raised the issue before the administrator, arguing that water supply is a 
necessity, the move 
may encourage more illegal construction outside Lal Dora. Moreover, constructed properties outside the lal dora are being used for commercial activities."Since the 
Periphery Control Act 
applies in Chandigarh and outside lal dora construction is a violation, approved agenda of the general house will be sent to the UT administration for its consideration. The 
UT will legally, 
administratively, and logically examine all points before taking a final decision," sources in the MC revealed.



Source : Times of India