Ludhiana: The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada) intensified its offensive against unplanned urban sprawl on Wednesday, demolishing three unauthorised colonies in the villages of Manakwal and Mehmoodpura.The move follows a “zero-tolerance” directive from housing and urban development minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Glada chief administrator Sandeep Kumar, aimed at curbing the rise of unregulated settlements that bypass state safety and infrastructure norms.
The regulatory wing moved in after developers reportedly ignored multiple legal notices to halt construction. Unlike previous drives that have seen local resistance, Wednesday’s sealing and demolition operation went unopposed. Glada has officially recommended legal action and the registration of FIRs against the developers involved.The ‘Cheaper Plot’ TrapOfficials warned that these colonies are often marketed to “innocent residents” at lower prices but lack essential statutory sanctions, making them a high-risk investment. Chief administrator Sandeep Kumar issued a stern advisory to the public, clarifying that the state will not bail out those who invest in these unauthorised zones. “Glada will not provide basic amenities — including water supply, sewerage, or electricity connections — to properties in unauthorized colonies,” he stated.To protect against fraud, prospective buyers are urged to cross-reference any property with the Official Glada Website (www.glada.gov.in). The portal hosts: a comprehensive list of approved and regularised colonies and sanctioned kayout maps for each approved project.
