Amritsar, July 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In compliance with the directions issued by the Punjab Government and under the orders of the Chief Administrator, Amritsar Development Authority (ADA), Mr. Nitesh Kumar Jain, IAS, and the Additional Chief Administrator, Mr. Inayat, PCS, the District Town Planner (Regulatory) Wing carried out a demolition drive against six newly developed unauthorized colonies in the district.
The action was undertaken in the presence of officials of Kathunangal Police Station against four unauthorized colonies being developed on the Pathankot Road at village Pakharpura. In addition, two unauthorized colonies at village Chawinda Devi were also demolished.
The District Town Planner informed that, in accordance with the Government’s directions to regulate unauthorized development, notices under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation Act (PAPRA), 1995 had already been served upon the developers of the unauthorized colonies at Pakharpura and Chawinda Devi, directing them to stop all development activities. However, despite the issuance of notices, the developers neither submitted any explanation nor discontinued the illegal development works. Consequently, demolition action was carried out on July 7, 2026, in compliance with the orders of the competent authority.
He further stated that unauthorized colonies being developed at village Pakharpura on the Amritsar-Batala National Highway had earlier been subjected to demolition on January 16, 2025. Despite the previous action, the developers resumed illegal development activities at the site, necessitating another demolition drive to remove the newly raised structures and development works.
The District Town Planner also clarified that under the Punjab Apartment and Property Regulation (Amendment) Act, 2024, any person developing an unauthorized colony is liable to imprisonment for a term ranging from five to ten years and a fine ranging from ₹25 lakh to ₹5 crore. He added that the Police Department is also being approached, on the basis of revenue records, for initiating appropriate legal action against the landowners and developers involved in these unauthorized colonies.
Appealing to the general public, the Regulatory Wing of the Amritsar Development Authority advised prospective buyers not to purchase plots in unauthorized colonies that have not been approved by the competent authority. Citizens have been urged to insist on seeing the approval granted by the competent authority before purchasing any plot and to verify the status of colonies through the official website of the Amritsar Development Authority. This, they said, would help protect buyers from financial loss and legal complications.
The Authority further appealed to the public to obtain all mandatory approvals from the competent authority before undertaking any construction activity anywhere in the district, so as to avoid legal action and ensure planned urban development.
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