Probe into sudden Shimla housing maps nod

Shimla : The newly elected Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has ordered an inquiry into the alleged clearance of almost 100 housing maps many in the heritage zone area where construction is banned .

Sources say these maps were cleared by the Shimla municipal commissioner’s office in a rush only two days before the state assembly results were declared on Dec 20 and the model code of conduct was in force .

Also most of these cases were lying pending in the municipal corporation’s office for long which has raised further eyebrows and many people in the hill station have complained about violations to the new government .

The new municipal commissioner Amarjeet Singh confirmed he was carrying out an investigation into the matter and would soon submit his report .

Sources say maps of many influential people close to the outgoing BJP government were cleared . There are also corporate houses including mobile tower companies .

Shimla mayor Sanjay Chauhan who belongs to the CPM told Sun Post that he has also received complaints about map clearances  and an investigation is going on .

“The single umbrella committee which cleared the maps consists of the municipal commissioner , officials of the urban development and others . These clearances were given on Dec 18 two days before the poll results ,” Chauhan said .

Sources say after carrying out an investigation of the alleged violations the government may soon hand over the case to the state vigilance and anti-vigilance bureau .