The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada) has significantly escalated its campaign against unplanned urban expansion this week, taking decisive action by demolishing three unauthorised colonies located in the villages of Manakwal and Mehmoodpura. This aggressive move represents a clear implementation of the "zero-tolerance" policy recently mandated by Punjab's Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Glada's Chief Administrator, Sandeep Kumar.
Strict Enforcement Against Illegal Settlements
The demolition drive on Wednesday targeted colonies that had been developed without obtaining the necessary statutory approvals, thereby bypassing critical state safety regulations and infrastructure norms. According to officials, the regulatory wing proceeded with the operation only after developers repeatedly ignored multiple legal notices instructing them to cease all construction activities immediately.
In a notable departure from previous anti-encroachment efforts that often faced local resistance and protests, Wednesday's sealing and demolition activities were carried out without any opposition. Following the successful operation, Glada has formally recommended initiating stringent legal proceedings against the involved developers, including the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs).
Public Advisory on the 'Cheaper Plot' Trap
Authorities have issued a stern warning to the public regarding the deceptive marketing tactics employed by developers of such illegal colonies. These settlements are frequently advertised to "innocent residents" at attractively lower prices, creating an illusion of affordability. However, they critically lack essential statutory sanctions, rendering them a high-risk investment with no legal security.
Chief Administrator Sandeep Kumar emphasized the government's firm stance, clarifying that the state will not provide any bailout for individuals who choose to invest in these unauthorised zones. "Glada will not provide basic amenities — including water supply, sewerage, or electricity connections — to properties in unauthorized colonies," he stated unequivocally.
How to Verify Property Authenticity
To safeguard citizens from potential fraud and financial loss, prospective homebuyers and investors are strongly urged to conduct thorough due diligence. The primary recommendation is to cross-reference any property of interest with the official Glada portal. This website hosts two crucial resources:
- A comprehensive, updated list of all approved and regularised colonies within the Greater Ludhiana Area.
- Sanctioned layout maps for each officially approved housing project, providing verified planning details.
This intensified crackdown underscores Glada's commitment to enforcing urban planning laws and protecting citizens from the pitfalls of illegal real estate developments, ensuring sustainable and regulated growth for the Ludhiana region.
