Punjab Government May Issue Single Circular for Land Outside PLPA, Bringing Relief to Applicants

September 27, 2026

The Punjab government is considering measures to simplify cases related to land that has been excluded from the list under the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900. At present, such cases often require approvals and documents from multiple departments, resulting in delays and inconvenience for applicants.

To address the issue, a proposal has been made to issue a single circular applicable to all concerned departments. Former Special Chief Secretary and former Financial Commissioner (Revenue) KBS Sidhu has written to the Punjab Chief Secretary and other concerned officials, suggesting several measures to streamline the process.

Clear Status for Every Parcel of Land

One of the key suggestions is to clearly establish the status of every khasra, or individual parcel of land, that has been excluded from the PLPA list. The proposal calls for the issuance of a Khasra Status Certificate, which could be recognized by all concerned departments. This would reduce the need for applicants to repeatedly submit different sets of documents to various government offices.

Fewer Visits to Different Departments

At present, cases involving delisted land often require NOCs, reports and other approvals from different departments, making the process lengthy and complicated. Under the proposed system, once the status of a particular parcel is established, the concerned departments could proceed with their respective actions on the basis of the same certificate. This could reduce repeated visits to government offices and make the approval process more efficient.

Four Categories Proposed for Delisted Land

The proposal also suggests dividing delisted khasras into four categories based on their status. A specific department or regulatory authority could be designated for each category.

Along with this, a uniform Khasra Status Certificate could be issued for all such cases. The proposal also recommends fixing a time limit for taking decisions on applications.

Clarity has also been sought on the restrictions applicable to the commercial use of delisted land, so that landowners and applicants have a clear understanding of the rules.

New Forest Department SOP to Bring More Clarity

KBS Sidhu’s letter also refers to a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Punjab Forest Department on September 14. The SOP specifies the documents required in cases where approval from the Forest Department is necessary. It covers matters relating to both closed and open PLPA areas and lists 13 conditions and required documents. These include a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Punjab Pollution Control Board, as well as a report from the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) regarding nearby choes, drains and streams.

Issue of Families Living in Kansal, Karoran and Nada

The letter also raises the issue of inhabited areas of Kansal, Karoran and Nada under the Naya Gaon Municipal Council. Several families living on three- and four-marla plots in these areas are still waiting for building plan approvals and basic services such as sewer connections. The proposal suggests that demarcation could initially be carried out in the inhabited portions of Karoran and Nada. Subject to permission from the court, the possibility of providing water and sewer connections to existing houses against a prescribed fee could also be examined.

At the same time, it has been suggested that providing basic services such as water or sewer connections should not be treated as regularisation of the land.

Suggestions Regarding Sukhna Eco-Sensitive Zone

The proposal also addresses issues related to the Sukhna Eco-Sensitive Zone.

It suggests seeking necessary clarification from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to remove any confusion or potential conflict between the conditions attached to the Centre’s approval for delisting in 2009 and subsequent court orders.

It has also been suggested that, through the Advocate General, an appropriate application may be filed before the Punjab and Haryana High Court if required.

Aim Is to Simplify the Process

The overall objective of the proposal is to make the process related to land excluded from the PLPA simpler, more transparent and uniform. If the proposed single circular is implemented, applicants may no longer have to repeatedly submit documents and seek separate approvals from different

departments. A common land-status certificate and a standardized process could help reduce delays and make the system more convenient for landowners and other applicants.