The Government of Punjab on February 03, 2026, issued the Policy/Guidelines for the Sale or Exchange of Revenue Rastas (Paths) And Khals (Water Channels) Within Municipal Areas.
This policy ensures continued access and services by granting an easement to land parcels under the same ownership, and simultaneously guarantees that alternate Rastas/Khal can be provided without hindrance in lieu of active Rastas/Khal.
Applicability:
• This policy shall be applicable in all the Municipal areas in the State and shall come into force from the date of its notification.
• The Revenue rasta/khal under this policy means any pathway or access or Khal/small water stream which is documented or delineated in Government Revenue record.
• This Policy is applicable to the two categories of such defunct or active Revenue rasta/khal identified as under:
o Abandoned/defunct revenue rastas and khals.
o Active(running) revenue rastas and khals that lead to or provide access to adjoining land parcels
The procedure allows abandoned municipal paths (rastas) and water courses (khals) within government-licensed projects to be transferred through sale or exchange. Applicants must apply through the designated portal and submit a valid project license, land records (Aks Shajra, Khatauni, Khasra details), a map showing the rasta or khal, and a resolution of the concerned Urban Local Body approving the proposal. Mandatory drone mapping must be conducted at the time of application and again within six months of approval to verify ground conditions.
For proposals related to abandoned rastas or khals that are pending before the High Court, applicants must upload a certificate from the Municipal Town Planner or designated officer confirming that the path or water course is abandoned. The Urban Local Body must ensure that this certificate is issued within fifteen days of notification, and compliance must be reflected on the portal.
For active (running) rastas or khals, exchange is allowed only if the applicant provides a clearly marked alternative route ensuring continued public access or water flow. Supporting satellite images, compliance with safety and planning norms, and payment of the applicable Collector rate are required. Drone mapping before and after approval must be verified by relevant authorities, and the existing rasta or khal cannot be merged into the project until permission is granted. Where shifting a khal is not approved, a pipeline may be installed at the developer’s expense.
All applications, whether new or pending, are reviewed by a District-Level Committee within fifteen days based on land records, site inspection, and submitted documentation. The competent authority of the Urban Local Body makes the final decision, ensuring adherence to the Master Plan and protection of public access and environmental requirements.
[Notification No. CTP(LG)/2026/210]
