Residents of Sector 21-A here are up in arms against the setting up of a liquor vend in the green belt. However, no action has been initiated against the vend despite repeated complaints to the authorities, and even the Chief Minister.
‘Violating HUDA norms’
According to the residents, despite Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) guidelines not allowing liquor vends in “open spaces, green belts, parking and parks, etc., under any circumstances”, the Sub-Divisional Engineer (Survey) had allotted land to a vend in the green belt opposite the sector.
Ajay Lal Malik, the general-secretary of the RWA for Sector 21-A (east), said the vend was coming up just a few metres away from a super speciality hospital, which again was in violation of the Excise and Taxation policy.
‘Vend up and running’
Mr. Malik said the residents had put forward multiple complaints to HUDA, but no action was taken. “We wrote to HUDA Chief Administrator Vikas Gupta and were told to contact the HUDA Administrator (Headquarters) R.S Verma. We weren’t able to get in touch with Mr. Verma despite repeated attempts. We’ve been running from pillar to post, even as the vendor has set up shop,” he said.
Traffic snarls expected
Mr. Malik added that the situation would get chaotic, especially during rush hours, when customers park outside the vend. He also said that they had approached HUDA Administrator (Faridabad) Yashendra Singh earlier, who asked them to talk to Town Planner Mahavir Singh.
“Mr. Mahavir Singh said he had issued necessary orders to stop the vend construction. However, the vend is up and running,” he said.
Mr. Mahavir Singh told The Hindu that he had issued necessary directions and that action would be initiated in a couple of days.
The RWA has also written to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.
