Surat police construct illegal chowky on footpath!

Surat : A controversial police chowky construction in Surat’s Pandesara area has sparked public outrage after allegations surfaced that the structure was erected illegally on a public footpath. The police department is accused of bypassing necessary permissions for the concrete structure. Sanjay Ezhava, a Surat-based social activist, has filed a formal petition demanding the immediate demolition of the illegal construction and calling for accountability from the authorities involved.

The newly constructed Gujarat Housing Board police chowky in Pandesara by Surat police is now at the center of a controversy after activist Sanjay Ezhava raised concerns over its legality. Ezhava claims that the police department has constructed the outpost on a public footpath without adhering to the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) regulations.

According to Ezhava, no plans were submitted, no approvals were obtained, and the structure violates multiple city planning norms. “The police post has been constructed by encroaching on the public footpath, pushing out pedestrians and setting a dangerous precedent,” said Ezhava in his petition. He also highlights that the structure is dangerously close to the road, violating the minimum required distance of 3 meters from the boundary.

In his petition, Ezhava has formally addressed key government officials, including Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghvi, Director General of Police Vikas Sahay, Police Commissioner Anupamsingh Gehlot, and the Surat Municipal Commissioner. He demands not only the demolition of the structure but also legal action against those responsible for the illegal construction.

Violation of Municipal Guidelines:

Ezhava’s primary allegation revolves around the blatant violation of SMC’s regulations. The Surat Municipal Corporation has a strict policy against unauthorized construction, especially on public land like footpaths. However, while small vendors and encroachers are swiftly removed from such spaces, the police department seems to have flouted the very rules they are meant to enforce.

In his detailed complaints, Ezhava points out several key violations:

The construction lacks the required municipal approval and clearance.

No plans were submitted to the corporation for review.

The post encroaches about 4 feet onto the footpath, leaving little to no space for pedestrian movement.

The structure is also built beyond the road boundary, making it unsafe for both pedestrians and vehicles.

Ezhava argues that by ignoring these regulations, the police department is sending the wrong message to the public, as they are supposed to be the enforcers of the law, not its violators.

Call for Immediate Action:

In his petition, Ezhava stresses the need for immediate action to rectify the situation. He has requested the government to order the demolition of the police post and urged the authorities to ensure that any future construction by the police department follows legal procedures.

“The government should not only demolish this illegal structure but also ensure that the police department takes proper legal permissions for any new construction,” he said. Ezhava has further demanded that those responsible for this unauthorized construction face legal consequences, as their actions undermine public trust in the police and local governance.

Public Reaction:

The issue has struck a chord with many residents, who question the double standards in the enforcement of municipal rules. While common citizens and small vendors are often targeted for encroachment, the police department’s actions have gone unchecked. Many residents have voiced support for Ezhava’s demands, calling for the police to lead by example and respect the law.