So far, the allottees were required to construct on the plot within three years from the date of possession, failing which the Estate Officer was required to resume the plots in accordance with provisions of Section 45 of the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act, 1995.

Now, with an amendment in the Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development (General) Rules, 1995, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has empowered Estate Officers of allotment agencies to extend the three-year period up to 15 years.

This will be done on payment of a nominal fee and if the Estate Officer is convinced that the building could not be completed due to reasons beyond the control of the allottee.

In a notification issued under Section 43 of the Act , Dr S S Sandhu Secretary, Housing and Urban Development, has prescribed the fee to grant extension to allottees of residential, commercial and industrial plots. Two per cent of the allotment or auction price will be annually charged for extension of five years after expiry of the stipulated three-year period; three per cent per annum for the ninth and tenth year; 3.5 per cent for the 11th and 12th year; and four per cent for the 13th, 14th and 15th year.

The extension fee has to be paid within 30 days from the date of the extension order. But on request, Chief Administrator of the allottment agency can extend the payment period up to six months. 

Also, the allottee would be required to pay the annual extension fee every six months.

But no fee would be charged to extend the construction period for land allotted to government departments or public sector undertakings of the state government.

Further, the Estate Officers have been empowered to extend the construction period for another one year in cases where the 15-year period has lapsed — this would be done on payment of a fee to be determined by the government.

For serving soldiers, officers of the Armed Forces posted at non-family stations, legal heirs of deceased personnel, war widows and other such cases, the extension fee could be waived after due consideration by the Chief Administrator — this would be done only in case of residential plots.

Also, charitable institutions (except educational institutes and hospitals) exempt from income tax are entitled to get waiver of up to eight per cent of the total extension fee.

Now, the dissolution of the Municipal Council has ensured that their fate remains uncertain. Newsline lists a few of these projects.

Construction of slaughterhouse

The MC had asked the district administration to provide a building so that Panchkula can have a planned slaughterhouse.

Later, HUDA, which was assigned the task of constructing the building in 2008, claimed that it would be handed over to the MC within two months. Area for the meat market was also earmarked near the slaughterhouse and the market was to be made functional within six months.

But the MC is yet to hear from HUDA.

Cremation Ground

In absence of a cremation ground for residents of Sectors 24 till 28, the MC had mooted a plan to construct a new cremation ground on the banks of Ghaggar. But the land for the purpose is yet to be earmarked.

Construction of bridge over Ghaggar rivulet

To connect Sector 25 with the district, the councillors had asked the administration to construct a bridge over the road between Sectors 24 and 25. “Residents of Sectors 24 till 28 have to go all the way from NH-73 to come to the district. Apart from increasing the distance, it is also dangerous, especially for two-wheelers,” former MC president Ravinder Rawal said.

But the residents are yet to have an alternative route.

Cattle pen in Pinjore

Stray cattle, which often cause road accidents, are a constant concern for Pinjore residents.

To handle the problem, the department of urban local bodies had granted land to MC to construct a cattle pen near Pinjore. But it is yet to become functional.

Construction of sub-fire stations

Sub-fire stations were to come up in Industrial Area, Phase I and II and Mansa Devi Complex. The MC had asked HUDA to earmark land for the purpose and start construction. But even after two years, these sub-fire stations are only in the planning stage.