The Punjab government has given its official nod to a new farmhouse policy specifically designed for the ecologically sensitive Kandi region, marking a significant development in land use regulations. The decision, taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday, establishes a standardized framework for both regularizing existing structures and permitting new low-impact residential units.
Policy Framework and Environmental Safeguards
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, addressing the media after the crucial Cabinet meeting, outlined the key provisions of the policy. The government will allow farmhouses only on land that does not fall under eco-sensitive zones, specifically referring to areas delisted from the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA) by the Centre back in 2011.
The policy mandates a minimum plot size of 4,000 square yards and incorporates several stringent controls to minimize environmental impact. These include a low floor area ratio (FAR), limited site coverage, and restrictions that generally permit only G+1 structures. "The core principle of the policy is a complete prohibition on any commercial activity, and to ensure environmental protection," an official statement elaborated.
To bolster its green credentials, the policy incorporates robust environmental safeguards. These consist of mandatory plantation of indigenous species, the use of sustainable building materials, and compulsory provisions for rainwater harvesting and solar energy installation.
Financial Implications and Political Context
The policy is expected to have significant financial implications for the state. A government source revealed that the Kandi area encompasses approximately 60,000 acres of land that could potentially be utilized for constructing farmhouses under this new framework.
For regularizing existing structures that were built prior to the policy, the government will levy a compounding fee that could reach as high as four times the collector's rate. Furthermore, new construction will attract fees ranging from Rs 300 per square yard in Pathankot to Rs 1,200 per square yard in Mohali. "This will help fill up the coffers," the source commented, indicating a revenue-generation motive behind the policy.
The source also indicated that the farmhouse policy was among several ideas conceived by AAP leader Satyendar Jain after he began overseeing the state's housing department. This move follows the earlier, albeit unsuccessful, attempt to introduce a land pooling policy that faced substantial resistance and was eventually withdrawn.
Controversies and Environmental Concerns
Despite the government's assurances of environmental protection, the policy is not without potential controversy. It is a well-known fact that land transactions in the Kandi area have been occurring at a rapid pace. There is considerable buzz that several colonizers, bureaucrats, and politicians have purchased land in the region, including a prominent land shark who recently sold numerous one-acre farmhouses.
An official acknowledged this trend, stating, "It would not be an exaggeration to say that many VIPs own land there. The delisting was done in 2011. There was plenty of time for everyone to sell and buy."
More critically, environmental concerns persist. Sources pointed out that the delisted land overlaps with pockets of forest area. The anticipated construction boom raises legitimate fears about impacts on local wildlife and a potential increase in human-animal conflicts. Notably, the government has not conducted a formal environment impact study for the area, and there has been no official survey to determine the exact number of farmhouses already existing in the region. "We will know when we get applications for regularizing these," an official noted.
Minister Cheema, however, defended the policy's integrity, emphasizing that the government formulated it while strictly adhering to the norms and directions of the Supreme Court. He clarified that on every acre (equivalent to 4,000 square yards in the Kandi area), two-storeyed houses covering 400 square yards would be permitted, with a firm ban on any commercial activities. "These would just be residential homes," he asserted.
In a separate but related development, the Cabinet also approved the summoning of the 10th (Special) Session of the Punjab Assembly at Anandpur Sahib. This session, to be held at Bhai Jaita Ji on November 24, is part of the commemorative events marking the 350th martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
