Dharamshala MC: 3 BJP councillors face disqualification risk over encroachment allegations

Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa has sent a recommendation to the director of urban development urging that three Bharatiya Janata Party councillors be disqualified from the Dharamshala Municipal Council. The notice targets Shamsher Singh Nehria, who represents Ward 2 in Bhagsunag; Parveen Kumar, representing Ward 15 in Khaniyara; and Vishal Jamwal, who serves Ward 17 in Sidhpur. The recommendation follows allegations that the three have been involved in unauthorized encroachments on municipal land.

The DC’s letter marks the first formal step in a process that could see the councillors lose their seats if the urban development department concurs. Under the municipal framework, a finding of encroachment can lead to disqualification, a measure aimed at maintaining integrity in local governance. While the council has not yet issued a final decision, the written recommendation signals that the matter is being taken seriously.

The municipal council, which oversees basic services such as water supply, waste management, and local infrastructure, has the authority to take disciplinary action against its members under the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Municipal Act. The council consists of several wards, each electing a representative to manage local affairs, and the three individuals named are among those elected to serve their constituencies.

Encroachment allegations have surfaced in several municipal bodies across the state, where private structures are built on public or protected land without proper approval. In Dharamshala, the issue raises questions about land use in a town that has experienced noticeable growth in recent years. The three councillors, all elected representatives of the BJP, are accused of using their positions in relation to the alleged illegal constructions. Their affiliation with the party adds a political dimension to the case.

The potential disqualification of these representatives could affect the council’s composition and its ability to function smoothly. With the next municipal election cycle approaching, the outcome may influence perceptions of the party’s commitment to governance standards. District officials have emphasized that any action taken will follow due process, including an opportunity for the councillors to present their case before a decision is finalized.

The episode highlights the challenges of balancing development aspirations with regulatory compliance in emerging urban areas. It also underscores the role of district officials in overseeing municipal integrity, ensuring that elected representatives adhere to expected standards of public office. As the process moves forward, the situation remains under review, with the urban development director expected to issue a response in the coming weeks.

Source: Hindustan Times