GLADA's inaction leaves residents in limbo as illegal colonies remain unaddressed

The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) officials have remained tight-lipped about the course of action against developers who failed to regularize their illegal colonies, leaving residents in distress. Despite the identification of numerous illegal colonies within GLADA's jurisdiction before the implementation of the regularization policy in 2018, little has changed for the inhabitants. However, sources suggest that developers who previously applied under the policy may soon have a final opportunity to rectify their documentation shortcomings and obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for their colonies.

In the 2018-19 survey conducted by GLADA, a staggering 1,920 illegal colonies were identified within the authority's jurisdiction, along with an additional 1,431 colonies in Ludhiana district. Surprisingly, only 653 applications were received by GLADA for regularization under the policy, and merely 136 of them were granted the final NOC. Any colonies established illegally after March 19, 2018, are subject to dismantlement. Previous efforts by GLADA officials to curb illegal construction in these colonies only resulted in minimal actions, such as removing electricity poles, roads, or sewer connections.

According to the 2018 policy, any colonies for which the promoter, Resident Welfare Association (RWA), or cooperative society failed to submit an application for regularization would be considered illegal, leading to the filing of FIRs against the developers. Water supply, sewerage, and electricity connections would be denied, and no registration or approval of building plans would be permitted for such colonies. However, GLADA officials have filed FIRs against only a few developers, raising concerns about their lack of action.

Sources reveal that authorities are turning a blind eye to the situation, potentially allowing the colonies to flourish in order to consider their regularization at a later stage. Gurvinder Lamba, President of the Punjab Colonisers and Property Dealers Association, expressed the public's diminishing hope of obtaining NOCs for their plots. He criticized the government's silence on the fate of numerous individuals who have invested in these illegal colonies. Although a rough draft proposing the regularization of illegal colonies had surfaced for suggestions, no concrete steps have been taken.

Next (RLDA seeks bids for leasing Dibrugarh railway land)

GLADA's inaction leaves residents in limbo as illegal colonies remain unaddressed

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