The decision would automatically regularise a large number of buildings constructed within the municipal limits of these towns.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Haryana Cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Bansi Lal here yesterday.

The Cabinet also approved a Bill to amend the Punjab New Capital (Periphery) Control Act, 1952, to designate the Secretary (Town and Country Planning) as an Appellate Authority for hearing appeals against orders passed under Section 12(2) of the Act, for removal of encroachments.

Hitherto, there was provision for filing an appeal against orders passed under Section 12 (2) of the Act by the Deputy Commissioner. As a result, people were rushing to the High Court for remedial measures. According to existing provisions, three consecutive notices of 15 days, 30 days and 24 hours respectively are required before unauthorised constructions and encroachments could be removed by the competent authority. These three notices have been replaced by a single notice of seven days. It is expected that with this amendment the government will be able to effectively check unauthorised constructions under the Periphery Act.