Punjab Plans New Authority to Control City Growth and Land Use

The Punjab government is set to launch the Punjab Spatial Planning Authority (PSPA) to regulate urban growth and land use through master and spatial planning. The bill for its establishment will be presented in the Punjab Assembly after cabinet approval.

A senior official revealed that the chief minister is prioritizing organized urban expansion and has instructed authorities to speed up the process as part of broader governance reforms.

According to the draft bill, the chief minister will serve as chairperson, with the local government minister as vice chairperson. The authority will also include secretaries from key departments, along with five appointed experts. The PSPA director general will act as secretary.

The PSPA will oversee spatial planning, zoning, and land-use policies. It will ensure that development projects align with approved regulations, enforce building controls, and monitor land-use compliance. The authority will also conduct research, publish reports, and engage experts for effective urban planning.

A district-level agency will assist in implementation, with deputy commissioners leading local execution. The PSPA director general, appointed by the chief minister, will manage operations and ensure policies are enforced at all levels.