Chandigarh, November 14: The Punjab government is set to introduce a new farmhouse policy for the Kandi region, covering lower Shivalik Hills from Mohali to Pathankot. The policy, likely to be tabled in the state cabinet on Friday, targets land taken out of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900.
Sources said the plan allows landowners in the Chandigarh periphery to build farmhouses on plots of up to 4,000 square yards. The announcement follows rising land prices in the area, driven by buyers anticipating policy approval.
Forest officials have expressed caution, highlighting potential conflicts with Supreme Court directives and environmental standards. “Ignoring forest and wildlife norms would undermine decades of conservation efforts,” said an official.
Tensions have risen after the Eco-Tourism Development Committee rejected regularisation requests for nearly 90 existing farmhouses, citing guideline violations. Several influential individuals, including politicians and former bureaucrats, own land in the zone, intensifying the scrutiny.
According to officials, coordination between Housing and Forest departments has been uneven, particularly as much of the land falls within a proposed eco-sensitive zone yet to be officially notified. A committee led by Housing Secretary Vikas Garg has been tasked with drafting guidelines for authorising structures, balancing development with ecological and legal requirements.
The issue revisits a 2010 directive assigning Housing and Local Government departments responsibility for framing rules for land removed from PLPA, provided it is used for agricultural purposes and livelihoods, while prohibiting commercial activities.
