Punjab Extends Industry Relief in Non-Conforming Zones Till Sept 2027ਪੰਜਾਬ ਨੇ ਨਾਨ-ਕਨਫ਼ਾਰਮਿੰਗ ਜ਼ੋਨਾਂ ਦੇ ਉਦਯੋਗਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਸਤੰਬਰ 2027 ਤੱਕ ਰਾਹਤ ਦਿੱਤੀ

The Punjab government has extended relief to existing industries in non-conforming zones across the state until September 30, 2027, exempting them from Section 79 of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995, the Times of India reported on Friday. The relief comes a day after Ludhiana manufacturers protested that the earlier exemption had lapsed.

What has the government decided?

Under the notification, the Governor of Punjab has used powers under Section 178 of the Act to exempt existing industries in the non-conforming zones of 24 master plans from Section 79, which requires land use to conform to the notified master plan. The exemption depends on compliance with Punjab Pollution Control Board norms and obtaining a no-objection certificate from the board.

How many units benefit?

The move is expected to cover close to 20,000 industrial units, nearly half of them in Ludhiana, according to the report. The 24 master plans include Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Khanna, Tarn Taran and Hoshiarpur, along with six in Mohali district: Mohali, Mullanpur, Derabassi, Zirakpur, Kharar and Banur.

Why did Ludhiana industry protest?

The earlier three-year exemption, issued in 2023 for existing industries in residential zones under the Ludhiana Master Plan, ran out in September. On October 8, small and micro manufacturers held a dharna outside the District Industries Centre in Ludhiana, demanding an extension or permanent industrial status for mixed land use areas.

How did industry react to the extension?

Not warmly. Federation of Industrial and Commercial Organisations (FICO) president Gurmeet Singh Kular called the one-year extension disappointing, saying units that have operated for nearly 40 years cannot plan around yearly renewals. He said there is no clear roadmap, no guidelines on permitted activities and no migration policy, and urged the government to declare mixed land use areas permanent industrial areas wherever feasible.

Until when are industries exempt from Section 79 in Punjab?

Until September 30, 2027, if they meet Punjab Pollution Control Board norms and hold the board's no-objection certificate.

Which cities does the exemption cover?

It covers 24 master plans, including Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala, Bathinda, Mohali, Zirakpur, Kharar and Hoshiarpur.

Did industry get the permanent status it wanted?

No. Industry bodies such as FICO say a one-year extension only delays a permanent decision.