The Regulatory Wing of the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) carried out a demolition drive on Tuesday against three newly developed unauthorised colonies in the district, acting with police presence as part of an intensified crackdown on illegal urban development. The operation targeted colonies at Kambo village on Ram Tirath Road, Khairabad village near Welcome City on the Meera Kot Chowk-Ram Tirath Road, and Dalm village on Ajnala Road. All illegal development works at these sites were razed.
Notices Ignored, Demolition Ordered
District Town Planner (Regulatory) officials stated that notices had previously been issued to the developers under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995, directing them to halt construction. However, work continued despite the warnings, leading to demolition orders issued on July 3 and executed on Tuesday.
Officials noted that demolition had earlier been conducted at the unauthorised colony in Kambo village on October 10, 2025, and at Dalm village on June 12, 2026. Despite these actions, developers allegedly resumed illegal construction, prompting the latest drive.
Strict Penalties Under PAPRA Act
The ADA warned that under the amended PAPRA Act, 1995, developers of unauthorised colonies face imprisonment ranging from five to 10 years and fines between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 5 crore. The authority stated it would also recommend legal action against landowners and developers based on revenue records.
Advice to Homebuyers
The authority advised residents to verify whether a colony has received approval from PUDA/ADA before purchasing plots and to consult the list of unauthorised colonies available on the ADA website. It urged people to obtain all mandatory approvals from the competent authority before undertaking any construction activity.
