Mohali, Jan. 10 -- The general house meeting of the Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) on Friday witnessed sharp exchanges and a prolonged uproar over what councillors termed the civic body's "selective" action against encroachers, even as the MC proposed imposing penalties on residents found occupying green belts and berms.

The debate was triggered when an agenda item related to the ongoing anti-encroachment drive was tabled for discussion. Councillors were asked to deliberate on the legal basis of the drive so that the rationale could be clearly communicated to residents in their respective wards, many of whom have been protesting against the recent demolition notices and actions.

MC commissioner Parminder Pal Singh told the House that...