Illegal colonies razed on Fatehgarh Churian Road

The Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) carried out a demolition drive against newly developed unauthorised colonies along the Fatehgarh Churian Road here on Friday. The action was taken under the supervision of District Town Planner (Regulatory) Gursewak Singh Aulakh, following the directions of ADA Chief Administrator Nitesh Kumar Jain.

According to officials, the regulatory wing demolished illegal colonies coming up in Nangli, Muradpura and Ball Khurd villages under Tehsil Amritsar-2. Notices under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995, had already been issued to halt construction, but developers allegedly continued work in violation of government norms.

Officials said that developers were developing colonies without the mandatory approvals from PUDA and other departments, openly flouting planning regulations. The drive is part of the government’s effort to curb haphazard and illegal urban expansion around Amritsar. The regulatory wing added that an unauthorised colony, The Urban Heights (AGM Heights Pvt. Ltd.), at Muradpura had been demolished earlier as well. However, the coloniser allegedly resumed development work, following which the newly developed structures were once again razed.

Officials warned that as per the amended PAPRA Act-1995 (2024), individuals involved in developing illegal colonies can face an imprisonment of five to 10 years and fines ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 5 crore. Based on revenue records, the police have been asked to initiate the required legal action against landowners and developers involved in the illegal projects.

So far, the ADA has carried out demolition in 47 unauthorised colonies across the district. The details of these colonies have been uploaded on the ADA website for public awareness. The department has also written to the police seeking the registration of FIRs against the developers of 33 unauthorised colonies and to the Tehsildar to refrain from registering sale deeds or agreements for plots in such colonies.

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has been instructed not to issue electricity connections in these areas.

The regulatory wing said it continues to conduct field checks and issue notices under the relevant Act, ensuring that work in unauthorised colonies is stopped and the police officials concerned are asked to proceed with legal action. The ADA appealed to the public not to purchase plots in illegal colonies that do not have the approval from PUDA.