Massive Theft of Grills and Bricks Reported in Panchkula Industrial Area Green Belt: OP Sihag

Panchkula, March 23 (Ishan Samvad). Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) Panchkula District President OP Sihag, along with former councillor and JJP Panchkula constituency head Rajesh Nishad, conducted an inspection of the green belt in Industrial Area Phase I and Phase II, stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers along Sectors 14, 15, and 16.

During the inspection, it was found that nearly 80% of the grills and bricks, which were installed years ago by the then Haryana Urban Development Authority, have been stolen, resulting in losses worth lakhs of rupees.

Recalling the past condition of the area, OP Sihag stated that the green belt once featured lush greenery, well-maintained grass, flowering plants, boundary walls, and protective grills. However, over the years, responsibility for its maintenance kept shifting between departments such as HSVP, HSIIDC, and PMDA, leading to continuous neglect.

He alleged that due to administrative negligence and lack of accountability, the green belt has deteriorated significantly, especially over the last 2–3 years. Taking advantage of this situation, anti-social elements and thieves have systematically stolen grills and bricks, while large trees have also been illegally cut.

Sihag expressed concern that despite ongoing theft and damage, the department currently responsible has failed to take any effective action to prevent these incidents.

Both OP Sihag and Rajesh Nishad demanded that the government and the concerned authorities, particularly the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA), should:

• Ensure proper protection of the remaining grills, bricks, and trees
• Register FIRs immediately regarding the theft
• Take strict action against those involved in the चोरी
• Hold negligent officials accountable for the current स्थिति

They also urged the Chief Administrator of PMDA to restore the green belt, replant trees and flowering plants, reinstall protective grills, and ensure cleaning of the seasonal drain flowing through the area.

They emphasized that restoring the green belt will once again provide a safe and pleasant environment for residents of nearby sectors and colonies for morning and evening walks.