Patiala, Oct. 15 -- A local civil court in Patiala on Tuesday issued notices to the Punjab Mandi Board and the state government on the defence ministry plea seeking to stop construction within a 1km radius of the army's ammunition depot at Barsat village in the district. The ministry has reportedly sought the directives under the Works of Defence Act, 1903. After hearing government counsel, advocate JD Bansal, the civil court issued the notice to the Mandi Board and the Punjab government and directed them to file their replies within two days. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 17. The MoD has challenged the construction of commercial built-ups, including shops and plots at Mehmadpur grain market, which is located within 1km of the ammunition dump. The ministry contended that such activity is dangerous for the inhabitants of the locality and people at large, as the site lies within 761m of the ammunition dump boundary on one side and 745m on the other. The defence ministry further added that despite several communications, the mandi board and Patiala administration "did not pay any heed."...