Rules flouted in SBS Nagar in Ludhiana to build hotel, authorities yet to wake up

Rules have been allegedly violated with impunity at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar here, even as Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) seems to be in deep slumber. Under the 475-acre scheme at SBS Nagar, 40 sq yrd plots were cut for the economically weaker section. Two such plots have been clubbed and a hotel is being constructed there in violation of the rules.

Taking cognisance of a complaint filed by a resident of the area, Yogesh Sharma, the Punjab State Human Rights Commission has asked the Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana, to look into the matter and submit the report to the Commission before January 29, 2026. A copy of the order by the commission has also been sent to Special DGP, Human Rights, Punjab.

According to the complainant, the construction is not allowed on small plots cut out for economically weaker section. “The violators, not giving two hoots to the rules, have clubbed the two plots together and a hotel is being constructed on the piece of land. This will be a four-storey hotel, the construction of which is continuing till date despite several complaints forwarded to the law enforcing agencies, including the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT),” said the complainant.

There are allegations that the hotel construction has no approved plan or permission from the authorities concerned. It lacks proper parking facilities. The entire property has been covered completely, which again is illegal. Many residents complained that several blocks of SBS Nagar, which are purely residential properties, are being used for commercial purposes. The residents complained that despite submitting complaints to the LIT chairman, Executive Officer and other officials concerned, the construction has not been stopped till date.

Some residents living nearby said that they would never tolerate the commercial activity in the area, but their objections were also not paid heed to by the authorities concerned. The residents alleged that the illegal construction was not possible without the knowledge of LIT officials.