Don’t Let High Tension Lines Ruin Your PUDA Property Dream: Know Your Rights & Safety Rules!
Alert For Puda property Holders and future Owners
The Hidden Danger: PUDA’s Clearance Zone Rules for HT Lines
As per Rule No. 2404 of the Punjab Government Gazette (September 10, 2021), PUDA mandates strict horizontal clearance zones for buildings near High Tension electrical lines:
11.5 meters for lines up to 11 KV.
15 meters for lines above 11 KV and up to 33 KV.
These rules exist for a reason: to prevent electrocution, fires, and structural damage. Yet, many PUDA allottees (including me) are allotted plots that blatantly violate these guidelines, endangering lives and investments.
My Story: A Corner Plot Turned Nightmare
I paid a 5% premium for a corner plot in Gurdaspur’s Jail PUDA Avenue, expecting better accessibility and space utilization. Instead, I discovered four 11 KV electricity poles installed just 2 feet away from my boundary wall, directly at the corner.
Key Issues I Faced:
Safety Violation:
The poles are bent toward my plot, with low-hanging wires within human reach. Construction here risks fatal accidents.Financial Exploitation:
Despite paying extra for a corner plot, the poles block access to the corner, making it unusable.Legal Limbo:
My case (Suit No. 16/2024) has been stuck in the Permanent Lok Adalat for 3 years, with no resolution.Construction Freeze:
I cannot start building my home until PUDA resolves this, forcing me to withhold installments.
Lessons for Current & Future PUDA Allottees
1. Verify Clearance Zones BEFORE Accepting Allotment
Demand a Site Visit: Insist on physically inspecting the plot. Check for HT lines, poles, or transformers nearby.
Ask for Demarcation Reports: PUDA’s Junior Engineer (JE) can confirm compliance with clearance zones.
Review Punjab Govt. Gazette Rules: Familiarize yourself with Rule 2404 and PSPCL guidelines.
2. Document EVERYTHING
Take photos/videos of the plot and nearby infrastructure.
Save allotment letters, payment receipts (especially premiums for corner plots), and official communications.
3. Don’t Hesitate to Escalate
If you spot violations, file a written complaint with PUDA and PSPCL immediately.
Involve legal forums like the Permanent Lok Adalat if authorities delay action.
4. Hold PUDA Accountable
PUDA is legally bound to ensure plots comply with safety norms. If they allot a violating property:
Demand pole shifting or alternate allotment.
Claim compensation for delays, mental distress, and financial losses.
What You Can Do TODAY
Check Your Plot: Use the Punjab Gazette’s clearance zone guidelines to inspect your property.
Spread Awareness: Share this blog with fellow PUDA allottees. Many victims don’t even know these rules exist!
Unite & Fight: Collective action pressures authorities to act. Join local resident welfare groups or create one.
A Wake-Up Call for PUDA
My case is not isolated. Thousands of Punjabis face similar risks due to negligent allotments. PUDA must:
Audit existing properties near HT lines.
Halt allotments violating clearance zones.
Prioritize citizen safety over bureaucratic delays.
Final Words:
Your property investment should empower your future, not endanger it. By staying informed and proactive, you can hold PUDA accountable and protect your rights. Let’s ensure no family faces the trauma of living under the shadow of high-tension danger.
Stay Safe, Stay Vigilant!
Attachments for Reference (Visuals for Your Blog):
[Infographic: PUDA’s Clearance Zone Rules]
[Photo: 11 KV poles encroaching on my corner plot]
[Screenshot: Punjab Govt. Gazette Rule 2404]
Disclaimer: This blog is based on my personal experience. For legal advice, consult a property lawyer or approach the Permanent Lok Adalat.