Why CLU is the First Step to Your Project's Success
Starting a new industrial unit, warehouse, or commercial complex in Punjab? Before the first brick is laid, you need one crucial document: the Change of Land Use (CLU) Certificate.
CLU is the mandatory legal permission that converts a piece of land’s official designation (e.g., from agricultural to industrial/commercial). Without it, your entire project is at risk of fines, legal issues, or even demolition.
This guide simplifies the complex CLU process in Punjab, providing clarity on the documents, fees, and procedures based on the latest regulations from authorities like PUDA and GLADA.
What is CLU and Who Needs It in Punjab?
The Change of Land Use (CLU) Certificate is an official clearance from the respective Development Authority (e.g., PUDA, GMADA, GLADA) or the Town Planning Department.
Who Must Apply for CLU?
You must apply for CLU if you plan to change the purpose of land from its existing official use to any other non-agricultural use. This most commonly applies to:
Agricultural land being converted to Industrial or Commercial use.
Residential plots being converted to small-scale Commercial use (where allowed).
Recent Regulatory Changes You Should Know
The Punjab Government is actively trying to improve the ‘Ease of Doing Business’. For instance, in some cases, CLU permission is now merged with the Layout Plan approval process, and road width requirements have been eased for certain standalone industrial projects. Always consult an expert to verify the latest applicability for your specific plot.
The CLU Punjab Document Checklist (The Essentials)
The success of your CLU application hinges on submitting a complete and accurate file. Missing one document can delay your project by weeks.
Proof of Ownership:
Fard Jamabandi (Must be the latest copy, typically not older than 2-3 months).
Copies of Registered Sale Deeds.
Site Plan Documents:
Location Map showing nearby features and the width of the approach road.
Shajra Plan (signed by the Patwari).
Other Mandatory Certificates:
Non-Encumbrance Certificate (Issued by the Tehsildar/Sub Registrar, confirming no legal disputes).
Affidavit declaring the land is not under any restriction (e.g., forest area).
Proof of payment for processing fees.
PRO TIP: Authorities often ask for documents signed by the Tehsildar or Patwari. We specialize in coordinating with these local revenue departments to fast-track document preparation.
The Step-by-Step CLU Application Process
While the process is often completed through the Invest Punjab – Business First Portal, the underlying steps remain the same.
Application Filing: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) along with the complete Annexure of documents to the Competent Authority.
Document Scrutiny: The dealing hand and nodal officers verify the entire document set against the checklist.
Site Inspection Reports (The Critical Stage):
The file is sent to the District Town Planner (DTP) for a field report (typically given 14 working days).
A report is also requested from the concerned Tehsildar (typically given 14 working days).
Demand for Charges: Once the DTP and Tehsildar reports are satisfactory, a demand for the Conversion Charges and Fees (as per the notified rates) is raised immediately.
Final Issuance: The final CLU Certificate is issued within 3 days of the applicant depositing the full conversion charges.
| Activity | Statutory Timeframe (Working Days) |
| Application to Reports Dispatch | 3 Days |
| DTP/Tehsildar Reports Submission | 14 Days (Each) |
| Deposit of Charges & Final CLU Issuance | 6 Days |
| Total Estimated Time (If Documents Are Perfect) | ~23 Working Days |
Understanding CLU Fees and Conversion Charges
The total cost is split into two parts:
Processing Fee: A nominal statutory fee (e.g., ₹5,000 for the first acre and ₹1,000 for every subsequent acre).
Conversion Charges: This is the significant cost, which varies drastically based on:
Location: Whether the land is in a High Potential Zone (like parts of Mohali or Ludhiana) or a low-potential zone.
Type of Conversion: The rate for converting to industrial use will differ from commercial or institutional use.
Final Verdict: Don’t Let Paperwork Delay Your Investment
The CLU process, while simplified by the Punjab Government, is a minefield of documentation and deadlines. Any error can lead to file rejection and costly delays. Your time is best spent building your business, not chasing reports from Patwaris and DTP offices.
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