Punjab Rural Development and Panchayat Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar, on Saturday, directed officials to reclaim public spaces earmarked for community development across various villages in the state. The Cabinet Minister has instructed the department’s regional offices to collaborate with Panchayats and Gram Sabhas to immediately free these lands from illegal encroachments and ensure regular inspections.
S. Laljit Singh Bhullar informed that during his recent village tours, widespread concerns about unauthorized occupation of lands designated for essential public infrastructure came to his notice. These areas include village peripheries (firnis), link roads, ponds, cremation ground access paths and sites for schools, dispensaries, veterinary clinics and Panchayat houses. The Cabinet Minister categorically stated that such encroachments have significantly hindered the utilization of these spaces for public benefit.
S. Bhullar said that the poor maintenance of existing public buildings such as Panchayat houses, community centers and veterinary dispensaries also came to the fore. Reports also indicate that some residents have been misusing these facilities by dumping household wastewater and garbage, rendering them unusable for their intended purposes.
In light of these issues, Minister Bhullar has directed officials to implement stringent measures to remove illegal encroachments from public lands, conduct regular inspections to prevent future unauthorized occupations and ensure proper upkeep and maintenance of existing public buildings.
The Cabinet Minister also asked officials to take action against those misusing community facilities, enabling effective use for public welfare and rural development across Punjab