Chandigarh, November 14: The Punjab government is preparing to introduce a farmhouse policy for the eco-fragile Kandi area in the lower Shivalik Hills, stretching from Mohali to Pathankot, officials said. The policy is expected to be tabled in Friday’s cabinet meeting.
The proposed policy would apply to land removed from the purview of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, and is designed to allow farmhouses on plots of up to 4,000 square yards—nearly an acre. Sources said this could benefit several landowners in the periphery of Chandigarh, where property values have already surged due to speculative purchases in anticipation of the new policy.
Forest officials have voiced concern, warning that Supreme Court guidelines and environmental safeguards could be compromised if proper regulations are not enforced. “Forest and wildlife norms must be upheld, or the ecological balance will be at risk,” said one official.
The issue has gained attention after around 90 farmhouse owners had their regularisation requests rejected by the Eco-Tourism Development Committee, which flagged violations of existing guidelines. Several politicians and former bureaucrats reportedly own land in the affected areas, adding to the sensitivity of the matter.
Officials said coordination between departments remains a challenge. “Housing and Forest departments are not on the same page. Much of the area where structures exist falls within the proposed eco-sensitive zone, which is yet to be formally notified,” an official privy to the development said.
A committee led by Housing Secretary Vikas Garg, under directions from Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, has been tasked with framing guidelines for regularising authorised structures while adhering to legal and environmental norms.
