1 year ago
Punjab Action Committee Objects to Proposed Building Rules
Imagine the government wants to change the rules for building houses and offices in Punjab.
Some people, called the PAC, are worried these new rules will cause problems.
They think the changes favor big builders and could lead to crowded cities with more traffic and pollution.
The PAC is especially concerned about allowing taller buildings, more people living in the same area, and using basements as homes, which they say could be dangerous.
They also fear that allowing businesses in homes will disrupt neighborhoods and that there won't be enough green space.
Basically, they believe these new rules could make the cities less safe and pleasant to live in.
The Punjab Action Committee (PAC) opposes the Draft Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025.
PAC claims the rules favor developers, potentially leading to overcrowded, unsafe cities.
The committee objects to provisions allowing unlimited FAR, removal of height restrictions, and increased population density.
Concerns include increased fire risks, inadequate green spaces, and weakened oversight of building plans.
PAC highlights potential negative impacts on infrastructure, traffic, and neighborhood peace.
- Who
- The Punjab Action Committee (PAC) and the Punjab Government.
- What
- The Punjab Action Committee opposes the Draft Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025.
- Where
- Punjab, India.
- When
- The Punjab Government introduced the draft rules on July 24th, with the PAC submitting their objections later.
- Why
- The PAC believes the new rules favor developers, and will negatively impact the environment, public safety, and quality of life.
PAC's Concerns
Government's Stance
Building Density and Height
PAC's Concerns
Unlimited Floor Area Ratio and height restrictions
Government's Stance
Promotes environmentally friendly construction
Residential and Commercial Use
PAC's Concerns
Allowing basements for habitation and commercial use in residential areas increases risk
Government's Stance
Relaxations simplify building approvals and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
Green and Open Space
PAC's Concerns
Open space norms flawed, green cover should scale up with density
Government's Stance
Standard open space
Key facts
- Action Committee
- Punjab Action Committee (PAC)
- Subject
- Draft Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025
- Proposed Changes
- Increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR), expanded ground coverage
- Objections Submitted To
- Director, Town and Country Planning, Punjab
- Concerns
- Overcrowding, traffic, fire risks, inadequate green spaces
- Minister
- Hardeep Singh Mundian, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister
Quotes
Jaskirat Singh
A member of the Punjab Action Committee (PAC) from Ludhiana’s Mattewara
“The public notice inviting objections had come in newspapers on July 24, when Punjab was protesting against the land pooling policy. Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian had announced these draft rules on the same day. He had highlighted that the new draft ‘Unified Building Rules’ include regulatory relaxations such as increased Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and expanded ground coverage, specifically designed to encourage green building practices across the state”
indianexpress.com
“As people were busy in protests against the land pooling policy, they overlooked this draft as it was introduced during protests against the land pooling policy. We too caught hold of this notice only last week. On Friday, we will be delivering it by hand as well”
indianexpress.com
The committee
The Punjab Action Committee (PAC)
“This will destroy neighbourhood peace and cause congestion in residential areas. Mixed use should be limited to 10 per cent and only in planned zones”
indianexpress.com
The action committee
The Punjab Action Committee
“The fire brigades in Punjab cannot handle super-tall towers. Unlimited heights will create unmanageable risks. High-rise permissions must be tied to certified fire-fighting capacity, evacuation plans, and disaster readiness”
indianexpress.com
