LUDHIANA: Planning authorities launched a significant enforcement drive on Wednesday, demolishing 13 unauthorized structures and dismantling the infrastructure of three illegal housing colonies throughout the district.
This initiative, spearheaded by the regulatory branch of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada), focused on unapproved developments in the villages of Dhandra, Manakwal, and Mehmoodpura. Enforcement teams, backed by police and a duty magistrate, tore down buildings and dismantled roads constructed without proper permissions.
Glada’s chief administrator, Sandeep Kumar, stated that this “special drive” forms part of a larger punitive strategy against developers who entice residents with cheap plots in colonies that violate government standards and lack essential infrastructure. These demolitions come after several legal notices were ignored.
Officials noted that despite warnings to halt construction, work continued, necessitating a coordinated demolition effort. “When developers failed to cease illegal operations after receiving notices, a specialized team executed the demolition without opposition,” remarked Glada officials. To prevent the rapid emergence of illegal settlements, the authority intends to maintain this momentum with more enforcement initiatives planned for the upcoming weeks.
Buyer alert: No services for illegal plots
The authority has issued a serious warning to the public, highlighting that residents purchasing property in these unauthorized areas will not receive any essential services. Restrictions include no municipal water connections (these will be denied at unapproved sites), bans on utility services (sewerage and electricity connections will not be authorized), and legal risks (buyers may incur total losses if properties are demolished).
Due diligence advised
Potential buyers are encouraged to verify land titles and colony approvals prior to any financial commitments. Glada maintains an updated list of approved and regularized colonies, along with authorized maps on its official website. The agency’s additional chief administrator confirmed that, beyond physical demolitions, strict legal actions are being initiated against those responsible for unauthorized developments in the district.
