Patiala, Apr 11: To ensure only the developer faces action if a project breaches environmental norms, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has allowed registration of sale deeds for homebuyers of affected projects, enabling them to avail electricity connections and other services.
However, strict action will continue against erring developers, including legal action and denial of fresh approvals, until they comply with the norms.
The PPCB has revised its policy following public complaints and recommendations of a committee formed in March 2026, according to officials.
In an order dated April 9, the board said restricting sale deeds in such projects was affecting people in need of housing.
Under the new directions, execution of sale deeds and release of electricity connections for individual buyers have been allowed.
The board said that restrictions on sale deeds and services in projects violating pollution norms had caused hardship to people who had invested their savings without knowing about such violations.
Access to electricity is a basic necessity linked to the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, it said.
Innocent homebuyers should not suffer for the violations that they did not commit, and the decision aims to balance people’s rights with environmental enforcement, PPCB Chairperson Reena Gupta said.
The move is expected to provide relief for thousands of homebuyers across the state.
