GLADA Initiates Action Against 43 Illegal Buildings in South City, Ludhiana
The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) has taken decisive action against 43 commercial buildings located on Ayali Khurd Road, also known as Mahal Hospital road, in South City, Ludhiana. Despite previous notices issued by the authority, the unauthorized constructions and commercial activities in these buildings have persisted, prompting GLADA to initiate the process of cancelling their residential building plans.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Unauthorized Development
Acting under the directives of Hardeep Singh Mundian, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, and GLADA Chief Administrator Sandeep Kumar, the authority has adopted a strict zero-tolerance policy towards unplanned and illegal development. This policy specifically targets illegal colonies and commercial establishments that violate sanctioned plans.
GLADA has received numerous complaints from residents of licensed colonies and the general public regarding these illegal commercial buildings in South City and surrounding areas of Ludhiana. The violations have led to significant issues, including a severe lack of parking space, disrupting daily life and urban infrastructure.
Violations of Residential Designations
According to the sanctioned layout of Shaheed Sukhdev Singh Nagar, plots along the main South City road were designated exclusively for residential purposes. Most plot owners had initially obtained approval for residential building plans from GLADA. However, a majority of them subsequently violated these norms by converting their properties into commercial establishments without obtaining the necessary approvals from the competent authority.
Despite GLADA issuing notices to all such commercial constructions on Ayali Khurd Road, the illegal activities continued unabated. This persistent non-compliance has now led the authority to take the step of cancelling the residential building plans for these properties.
Strict Enforcement Measures Announced
GLADA officials have stated that strict enforcement drives will be launched in the coming weeks to curb the proliferation of illegal buildings at an early stage. These measures are expected to include the sealing of properties to prevent further unauthorized use.
GLADA Chief Administrator Sandeep Kumar has appealed to the public to construct buildings strictly in accordance with sanctioned plans and to refrain from changing the use of properties from residential to commercial without prior approval. He emphasized that the list of approved and regularized colonies, along with sanctioned maps, is available on the official GLADA website. Prospective buyers are urged to check these resources before purchasing any property to avoid legal complications.
Legal Action and Future Plans
Meanwhile, GLADA Additional Chief Administrator 3, Vikas Hira, confirmed that besides demolition campaigns, the authority will take legal action against violators as per the law. He reiterated that illegal constructions will be dealt with firmly to safeguard planned urban growth and ensure sustainable development in the region.
This action underscores GLADA's commitment to maintaining urban planning standards and addressing the challenges posed by unauthorized constructions in Ludhiana.
