Acting on government guidelines, Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) Chief Administrator Nitesh Kumar Jain and Additional Chief Administrator Inayat supervised demolition action against two unauthorised colonies, including King Avenue, on the link road in Chatiwind village here on Tuesday. The operation was carried out by the Regulatory Wing and the Assistant Town Planner in compliance with official orders.
Officials of the Regulatory Wing said that notices under the PAPRA Act, 1995, had been issued to the newly developed unauthorised colonies in Chatiwind village. As part of efforts to curb illegal development, demolition action was carried out against both colonies.
Jain said the owners of the colonies had violated government regulations. Despite being served notices, they neither submitted any clarification nor halted development activities at the sites, prompting action under the directions of higher authorities.
The Regulatory Wing stated that construction work in one of the unauthorised colonies had been stopped several times through notices issued by the department. However, the colonisers allegedly continued development work, leading to demolition orders from higher authorities.
The department also carried out demolition at King Avenue in Chatiwind village. Earlier action had been taken against the colony on February 14, but the owners allegedly resumed development work, resulting in the newly raised structures being demolished again.
Under the 2024 amendment to the PAPRA Act, 1995, persons involved in developing unauthorised colonies can face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and fines between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 5 crore. The police are also being informed to initiate necessary action against landowners and developers associated with the colonies.
The Regulatory Wing appealed to the public to verify PUDA approval before purchasing plots in any colony. Residents were advised to review details of unauthorised colonies on the ADA website and obtain all required approvals from PUDA before undertaking any construction activity.
