UT Administration Proposes 200-Fold Hike in Penalties for Unauthorised Constructions, Tree Felling, and Ads

In a bid to safeguard Chandigarh’s planned development, green cover, and urban aesthetics, the UT Administration has proposed a steep hike in penalties—up to 200 times the existing fines—for offences such as unauthorised constructions, illegal tree felling, and unapproved advertisements.

To facilitate this, the Administration has recommended amendments to the Capital of Punjab (Development and Regulation) Act, 1952, specifically targeting Sections 13, 14, and 15. The existing penalty of Rs 500 is proposed to be raised to Rs 1 lakh, along with daily penalties of Rs 4,000 for continued violations.

The proposed changes, which were under deliberation since 2022, have now been cleared by the Union Ministry of Law and are set to be tabled in Parliament for final approval.

Section 13: Relates to building rule violations under Sections 4(2) and 6. The penalty increases from Rs 500 to Rs 1 lakh, with a daily fine of Rs 4,000 for ongoing violations. The total penalty is capped at 20% of the property’s value based on the current collector rate.

Section 14: Covers violations of Tree Protection Orders and Advertisement Control Orders. The revised fine mirrors Section 13: Rs 1 lakh maximum, with Rs 4,000 daily for continued infractions.

Officials said the move aims to ensure stronger enforcement mechanisms, promote sustainable development, and deter repeat violations that compromise Chandigarh’s design and environment