Punjab Government Proposes ‘Single Circular’ for Land Removed from PLPA List

September 27, 2026

The Punjab government is considering issuing a common circular to address departmental difficulties related to land removed from the purview of the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900.

Former Special Chief Secretary and former Financial Commissioner (Revenue) K.B.S. Sidhu has written to the Punjab Chief Secretary and other concerned administrative officials, suggesting a series of measures to streamline the process.

Clear Status for Every Khasra

One of the key proposals is to clearly establish the status of every khasra (individual parcel of land) removed from the PLPA list. The proposal also calls for the creation of a specialised regulatory authority to deal with such cases and for a common ‘Khasra Status Certificate’ to be recognised by all government departments.

Reducing Coordination Issues Between Departments

At present, applicants dealing with de-listed PLPA land may have to obtain approvals and certificates from multiple departments, resulting in a lengthy and complicated process.

The proposed single circular aims to standardise and simplify the procedure. Once the legal and regulatory status of a piece of land is established, the concerned departments could proceed on the basis of a single, commonly recognised certificate.

New Forest Department SOP Brings Greater Clarity

In his letter, Sidhu also welcomed the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Punjab Forest Department on September 14. The SOP provides a checklist of documents required in cases where forest clearance is applicable. It contains 13 requirements covering matters relating to both ‘closed’ and ‘open’ PLPA areas.

Among the requirements are obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Punjab Pollution Control Board and securing reports from the concerned Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) regarding nearby choes (seasonal or weathering drains), drains and rivers.

Clarification Sought on Sukhna Eco-Sensitive Zone

The proposal also raises the issue of finalising the Sukhna Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) in Punjab.

It has been suggested that the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change be approached for necessary clarification to avoid any conflict between the conditions attached to the Centre’s 2009 approval—under which the area was de-listed and subsequent court orders.

The proposal further suggests that, through the Advocate General of Punjab, an appropriate application be filed before the High Court to seek necessary directions or clarification.