PUNJAB ALLOWS INDUSTRY IN AGRICULTURAL, MIXED-USE AREAS

: The Punjab government on Friday allowed setting up industry in agricultural and mixed-use areas, subject to certain conditions, besides reduction in non-construction fee by allottee if he does not construct on estates developed by government and development authorities within three years.

The decisions, also aimed at generating employment, were announced after a virtual meeting of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Board (PRTPD) and development authorities headed by the CM. A 30-day public notice would be issued by the government, after which these decisions will be finalized, said an official spokesperson.

As per these decisions, industry will be allowed in agricultural areas beyond 3km limit of the municipal corporations and beyond 2km of smaller towns, provided the land has a 19-22 feet access. Further, red category industries should be at least 500 meter away from the village populace for the purpose of establishment of such industry. On the mixed land area use, it was decided to permit industry only along major roads.

The meeting also decided on the development industrial hubs on 1,100 acres in Rajpura and in another 1,000 acres near Ludhiana. In another important initiative, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority decided to set up an Industrial Estate in Mohali. The estate will have two parts, with about 530 acres to be developed by GMADA, while 250 acres will be allowed to be developed by private players.