Plans to regularise unauthorized colonies in Panchkula have stalled, with no final approval issued, leaving proposed initiatives in limbo. The municipal corporation (MC) had approved three major colony rehabilitation agendas during its last house meeting six months ago. However, land ownership issues and pending approvals from higher authorities have prevented implementation.
The proposed schemes aimed to provide one-marla residential plots to eligible families who had been residing in targeted colonies—Indira Colony, Rajiv Colony, Gandhi Colony, and Khadak Mangoli—for over 20 years. MC mayor Kulbhushan Goyal had earlier announced the initiative with significant publicity, emphasizing regularization at 2004 collector rates. Despite passing in the MC house, no implementation framework was established, leaving the plans largely unexecuted.
According to the latest MC status report, the majority of the proposed colonies fall on land owned by the Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) or the forest department, leaving the municipal corporation without authority to allot plots. Survey work in Gandhi Colony’s Bhainsa Tibba was completed in coordination with the HSVP and local Patwari officials on September 10 and 11, but further action remains with the HSVP.
Similarly, efforts to provide basic civic facilities in the unauthorised Manav Colony near Saketri have faced roadblocks. The MC had sought approval from the director of urban local bodies for six colonies, including Manav Colony. The department rejected the proposal, citing non-compliance with government norms and confirming that the area is under HSVP jurisdiction.
Another scheme proposing one-marla plots in Beed Ghaggar under the state’s “20-year policy” has also failed to move forward. The status report notes that the village lies on forest department land, placing authority for further action outside the MC’s control.
The ongoing delays highlight the complexities in addressing unauthorized settlements where multiple government departments hold jurisdiction. Residents of the affected colonies continue to live in uncertainty, with no immediate clarity on timelines for allotment or facility provision.
Municipal officials emphasize that final decisions rest with the HSVP and forest department in the respective cases. The MC’s role has largely been limited to survey and documentation, without authority to allot or regularize plots independently.
The stalled rehabilitation plans come ahead of the upcoming municipal corporation elections, raising questions about accountability and governance. While the MC had intended these initiatives as part of its long-term housing and urban development strategy, administrative and jurisdictional hurdles have slowed progress.
Residents and local associations have expressed frustration at repeated announcements without concrete follow-up, highlighting the need for clearer interdepartmental coordination. Authorities have indicated that once approvals are obtained from the relevant departments, the implementation process will resume.
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