Policy ‘within 15 days’ to resolve issues at unapproved colonies in Punjab

Tribune News Service

Patiala, July 26

Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Aman Arora, who was in the city today to oversee the functioning of the Patiala Development Authority (PDA) as part of his state tour to ensure a balanced growth in urban areas, said the state government would work out a policy to streamline already mushroomed irregular colonies in the state within 15 days.

‘Over 14,000 illegal colonies in Punjab’

There are over 14,000 unauthorised colonies in Punjab. These came up year after year due to vested interests of political leaders and former governments. Aman Arora, Housing and Urban Development Minister, Punjab

He said the issuance of NOCs and registration of sale deeds for properties in irregular colonies was put on halt to work out a cohesive development programme for such colonies in the state.

The AAP leader also held a meeting with residents of various colonies in Patiala and listened to their grievances.

Arora said there were over 14,000 unauthorised colonies in the state. He alleged, “These came up year after year due to vested interests of political leaders and former governments and increased problems for the people. Policies to regularise these colonies were notified by former governments to seek votes, but ultimately people have had to suffer due to lack of provisions in these colonies.”

He alleged, “The Department of Housing and Urban Development was misused by leaders from time to time due to which there is a need for streamlining its functioning. We have been holding meetings on this and have started going around the state to take stock of the situation.”

Arora said the government had prepared a list of approved and unapproved colonies. He assured that the government would resolve the basic issues at the PDA-Omaxe City project on the Sirhind road within three months.

The minister also reviewed the PDA Enclave Dhuri project, Rs 208 crore project for rejuvenation of Badi Nadi and Chhoti Nadi, construction of Heritage Street around Qila Mubarak and other ongoing development projects of the PDA.

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