ADA crackdown on unauthorised colonies

The Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) on Friday carried out a major demolition drive against upcoming illegal colonies along the Amritsar-Ajnala National Highway, acting strictly in accordance with directions issued by the Punjab Government.

Following the orders of ADA Chief Administrator Nitesh Kumar Jain, the Regulatory Wing of the authority conducted the demolition operation under the leadership of District Town Planner (Regulatory) Gursewak Singh Aulakh. The action was carried out in the presence of police officials from the Airport and Rajasansi police stations to ensure law and order.

During the drive, unauthorised colonies being developed in Her village of Tehsil Amritsar-2 and Dalam village of Tehsil Ajnala were demolished. ADA officials stated that notices under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995, had already been issued to halt construction work in these areas. However, despite clear government instructions, the colonisers continued development activities without obtaining mandatory approvals from PUDA and other concerned departments, prompting demolition action.

The ADA Regulatory Wing further informed that in Dalam village, the coloniser had applied for approval with the ADA, but development work was found to be underway over a much larger area than the layout plan submitted for approval. Consequently, all construction carried out beyond the proposed approved area was demolished on the spot.

ADA officials clarified under the amended provisions of the PAPRA Act, 1995 (2024 amendment), individuals involved in developing unauthorised colonies may face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years, along with a fine ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 5 crore. In this regard, the police department is being approached for necessary legal action against landowners and colonisers based on revenue records.

So far, demolition action has been taken against a total of 46 unauthorised colonies across the district. Details of these colonies have been uploaded on the official website of the Amritsar Development Authority for public information. Additionally, recommendations have been sent to the police department for the registration of FIRs against 34 unauthorised colonisers and builders.

Directions have also been issued to the tehsildars concerned not to register any sale deeds or property documents related to plots in these illegal colonies, while Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has been instructed not to release electricity connections in such areas.

The ADA Regulatory Wing stated that regular field inspections are being conducted across the district to identify illegal colonies and unauthorised constructions. Wherever violations are found, notices are being issued, construction work is being stopped, and the police are being informed for further legal action.

Appealing to the general public, the ADA urged citizens not to purchase plots in colonies that are not approved by PUDA. Prospective buyers have been advised to verify PUDA approval documents before responding to any advertisement and to consult the list of unauthorised colonies available on the ADA website to avoid financial loss and legal complications. The authority also emphasised that no construction should be undertaken anywhere in the district without obtaining the requisite permissions from PUDA in advance.