Talking to mediapersons today soon after the inaugural function of the draw of lots for 100 MIG (Super) flats here, the Minister said an official announcement in this regard will be made soon after the Punjab Chief Minister clears the file.

He, however, refused to give details on the location of the new township, saying "it would be premature to say anything at this juncture". Sarup Singh said that PUDA would construct 500 more flats in S.A.S. Nagar for allotment under various categories. These include flats for the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG) and High Income Group (HIG). Sufficient land for the purpose has been earmarked in Sector 66 and allotment schemes would be announced within the current financial year.

He also announced that 200 plots measuring four marlas, six marlas and eight marlas will be made available this year for those who want to settle in Sector 68. Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow pace of development in S.A.S. Nagar, he directed PUDA officials to formulate more projects and ensure speedy implementation and time-bound completion.

He said a new urban estate would be developed in Kapurthala where the process of land acquisition has already been started.

When his attention was drawn towards the encroachment menace in S.A.S. Nagar, he said 71 kiosks and 62 unauthorised structures have been removed from government land over the past two months. On Guru Nanak Colony, he said: "Our hands are bound because the matter is pending in court."

The Minister directed the PUDA officials present on the occasion to remove all encroachments in phases and ensure that no further encroachments proliferate.