ADA demolishes illegal colony at Rakh Cheeta village near IIM

The Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) on Saturday demolished roads and the boundary wall of an illegal colony being developed near the IIM at Rakh Cheeta village on the Amritsar-Bathinda National Highway here.

Following the instructions issued by ADA Chief Administrator Ankurjit Singh, the Regulatory Wing of ADA, led by District Town Planner (Regulatory) Gursewak Singh Aulakh, carried out the demolition of the unauthorised colony at Rakh Cheeta village. The action was taken in the presence of Duty Magistrate Jagbir Singh, Sub-Divisional Engineers of ADA, Amritsar, and personnel from the Chatiwind police station.

District Town Planner Gursewak Singh Aulakh said as per the government instructions to regulate future development, a notice under the PAPRA Act, 1995, had been issued to the unauthorized colony being developed along the road leading to the IIM at Rakh Cheeta village. The demolition action was taken against the colony, as its owners were found violating government rules by disregarding official instructions, selling plots, and advertising the colony plan through various unauthorised means.

He further clarified that under the 2024 amendment to the PAPRA Act-1995, any individual involved in developing an unauthorized colony can face imprisonment ranging from 5 to 10 years and a fine between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 5 crore. Accordingly, a letter has been sent to the police department requesting an FIR against 14 colonizers involved in such activities.

The regulatory wing of PUDA is conducting regular inspections of unauthorised colonies and constructions in Amritsar district. Notices are being issued under the relevant Act to halt such activities, and police officers concerned are being asked to take appropriate legal action.

The DTP (Regulatory), Amritsar, also appealed to the general public to exercise caution while purchasing plots in unauthorized colonies that are not approved by PUDA. He advised buyers to verify the approval issued by PUDA for any advertised colony with the coloniser or directly contact the PUDA office.