Amritsar Development Authority demolishes illegal colonies

Acting tough against illegal colonies, the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) has taken strict action against unauthorised colonies in the district. A regulatory team, led by District Town Planner (Regulatory) Gursewak Singh Aulakh, along with Duty Magistrate Jagbir Singh, officials from the ADA and police personnel carried out demolition operations.

The action targeted unauthorized colonies coming up along the Amritsar-Ram Tirath Road towards the villages of Gausapur and Dhaul Kalan. The authorities demolished these illegal colonies as their owners had ignored government regulations and continued with unauthorized constructions.

Officials confirmed that notices were issued to illegal colonies under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995, ordering to immediately stop these constructions before taking action against them.

The amendments to PAPRA (2024) now impose strict penalties, including imprisonment of five to 10 years and fines ranging from Rs 25 lakh to RRs 5 crore for individuals involved in unauthorized colony development. So far, 15 cases have been referred to the police for registering cases against developers and builders violating the regulations. PUDA’s regulatory wing continues to monitor illegal constructions across Amritsar, issuing notices and stopping unauthorised works while directing the police for further legal proceedings.

The District Town Planner (Regulatory) has urged the public to verify PUDA approvals before purchasing plots in any colony to avoid financial loss and legal complications. Additionally, individuals planning to construct a house in the district must obtain the necessary approvals from PUDA before commencing any building work. These strict measures aim to regulate urban development and prevent unplanned expansion that could lead to future infrastructural and civic challenges.