ADA tightens noose around illegal colonies

The Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) has swung into action against unauthorised colonies in various areas around the city. On the instructions of Amarpreet Kaur Sandhu, Chief Administrator, Punjab Urban Development Authority (PUDA), District Town Planner Gursevak Singh Aulakh along with the staff of the regulatory wing visited Kala Ghanupur village on Ram Tirath Road, Wadala Bhittevad village and Hair village on Ajnala Road. The illegal colonies developed by colonisers were demolished in these villages.

Aulakh said as per instructions of the government to curb unauthorised colonies, colonisers were issued notices under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995, and the demolition of illegal structures carried out.

As per law, a person who develops an unauthorised colony can be jailed for three to seven years and fined Rs 2 to Rs 5 lakh under the PAPRA Act. The ADA has written to the Police Department to register FIRs against nine illegal colonisers. Aulakh appealed to the general public to demand an NOC before purchasing plots in colonies not approved by PUDA so that their hard-earned money does not go waste.