Latest news with #GreaterMohaliAreaDevelopmentAuthority
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
GMADA's land pooling policy faces major setback in Mohali
1 2 Mohali: The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority's (GMADA) ambitious land pooling policy faced a near-total rejection in Mohali, with only 51 applications received from nearly 8,000 eligible landowners after a two-month campaign aimed at acquiring 2,600 acres for urban development. The scheme, aimed at regulated expansion across Sectors 84, 87, 101–103, and 120–124 along the PR-7 road, has met with strong resistance from local farmers and political parties alike. Protests have already been held by the Congress, and the Shiromani Akali Dal is set to launch a similar agitation in the coming days. Farmer groups from villages such as Patton, Siaou, Badi, Kishanpura, Kurdi, and Matran have submitted a formal memorandum to chief minister Bhagwant Mann, opposing the policy. According to GMADA officials, only 45 farmers from Mohali district submitted applications under the scheme, highlighting the overwhelming lack of interest. The land pooling policy was launched to acquire land for planned commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential projects. GMADA maintains that the move is critical to curbing unauthorised colonies that are rapidly emerging on agricultural land, particularly in villages such as Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli, and Jhampur, where illegal developments reportedly spanned over 50 acres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo The landowners of Mullanpur, where Eco-City-III is proposed and for which land is to be acquired, also rejected the policy, terming it anti-farmer, especially for those having small chunks of land. The policy is beneficial for those holding larger chunks of land. "GMADA is offering compensation far below market value. We are the rightful owners of our land and will not part with it on these terms," said Harvinder Singh Lambardar, a farmer leader representing the agitating landowners. He accused the govt of attempting to dispossess small and marginal farmers for the benefit of big developers, calling the policy "exploitative and unfair." Farmers have also alleged that coercive tactics are being used, including police pressure, to compel them into joining the land pooling scheme. "Many of us with less than five acres stand to lose the most, while the bigger landholders benefit," said another protesting farmer. Action Ordered Against Illegal Colonies Concerned about the rapid mushrooming of such unauthorised colonies, GMADA's chief administrator has ordered officials to submit a report within two days, identifying violations and fixing responsibility. The use of Google satellite imagery has also been approved to trace illegal constructions and initiate action against violators. The administration has made it clear that no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to private developers in the earmarked zones. Political and Administrative Fallout A senior GMADA officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the poor response to the scheme. "We tried to convince farmers, but only 51 showed interest initially. The sentiment is very negative," the officer said. As opposition parties intensify their protests and public backlash grows, the future of GMADA's land pooling policy in Mohali remains uncertain and politically sensitive. With participation numbers failing to pick up, the administration may soon have to re-evaluate the policy or consider alternative land acquisition models that take into account the concerns of the farming community. GMADA's acquisition plans - 236 acres in Sector 87 for commercial purposes, - 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional use, - 321 acres in Sectors 101 to 103 for industrial projects - 1,800 acres in Sectors 120 to 124 along the PR-7 road for residential development. MSID: 122862229 413 |
Time of India
17-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Mohali administration cracks down on garbage dumping in vacant plots
1 2 3 Mohali: In a bid to ensure cleanliness and prevent disease outbreaks during the ongoing monsoon season, the Mohali administration has launched a major crackdown on illegal garbage dumping in vacant plots across the district. Acting on the orders of the district magistrate, authorities have identified 689 violations in the first phase and served 367 notices to violators so far. Deputy commissioner Komal Mittal said that as per a prohibitory order issued on June 26, all vacant plot owners were directed to clear garbage and waste from their properties. The order also mandates the construction of boundary walls or fencing to prevent further illegal dumping. The drive, led by local bodies in Derabassi, Zirakpur, Kharar, Banur, Lalru, Kurali, Gharuan, and Nayagaon, has resulted in the issuance of 367 notices. In Derabassi, a single violator was fined Rs 37,000 by the municipal council, while 81 additional challans have led to fines totalling Rs 49,000 across the district. Commending the swift action by municipal councils, DC Mittal urged the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) and the municipal corporation Mohali to intensify similar enforcement efforts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo She emphasised that tackling the issue of waste dumping is critical for preventing foul odour and reducing health hazards, especially the risk of vector-borne diseases during the rainy season. Legal notices have been served under multiple provisions, under sections 292 and 293 of the Punjab Municipal Act, 1976; under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; under Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Section 163 of the BNSS. Plot owners have been directed to immediately clean their properties and construct boundary walls. In cases of non-compliance, government agencies will carry out the cleaning and recover the cost from the property owners. Failure to pay may result in red entries in land records and legal action, including police involvement. "The campaign is part of our broader commitment to public health and environmental protection," DC Komal Mittal said, urging citizens to cooperate in maintaining a clean and hygienic environment across the district.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Mohali to get working women's hostel
After a four-year delay, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has finally allotted 1 acre land in Sector 79 to the department of social security, women and child development, Punjab, for the construction of a working women's hostel. The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority has allotted 1 acre land in Sector 79 to the department of social security, women and child development, Punjab, for the construction of working women's hostel. (HT File) Originally proposed in 2020, the project aims to offer safe and affordable accommodation to women arriving in Mohali and Chandigarh in search of employment opportunities. Though the land was earmarked earlier, the formal allotment has been made only now. The hostel will have 100 rooms and will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹12.57 crore. The project is being funded under the Nirbhaya Fund of the ministry of women and child development, with the public works department (PWD), Punjab, serving as the implementing agency. The proposal has already received clearance from the empowered committee constituted under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme.
Hindustan Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Mohali: 2,000 acre agri land in 12 Banur villages to be residential zones
The Punjab directorate of town and country planning is set to amend the Master Plan of Banur (2031). As per the official notice, around 2,000 acres of agricultural land across 12 villages will be reclassified into residential zones, marking a significant shift in the region's land use policy. A master plan is a critical planning tool that lays out the long-term vision for the physical, economic, and social development of an area. (HT photo for representation) The proposed reclassification includes land in the revenue estates of villages: Naugiari, Giga Majra, Hulka, Kalauli, Menda Majra, Mote Majra, Nadiali, Manakpur Kallar, Kurara, Tangori, Jnansli, and Sekhan Majra. The department has uploaded drawings and proposals on its official website: and asked the public to submit their suggestions and objections within 30 days. Banur, a historic town in Mohali district falls under the jurisdiction of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA). Strategically located on the Chandigarh–Patiala National Highway, Banur is gaining prominence due to its proximity to Chandigarh International Airport and its inclusion in the extension of GMADA's Aerotropolis project. Officials say that the revised Master Plan will serve as a blueprint for urban expansion in the region and will cover a wide range of elements including regional frameworks, existing land conditions, development strategies, planning proposals, and infrastructure planning. 'The amended plan will also address urban growth management challenges, land-use conflicts, and infrastructure gaps arising from the rapid pace of development in the area. However, the proposed changes have raised concerns among local residents. Banur municipal council president Jagtar Singh Kamboj voiced his opposition to the move highlighting fears of vanishing farmlands and loss of agrarian identity. He said, 'We are going to lose our agricultural land. Once this amendment comes into effect, land prices will skyrocket. The situation may arise where even farmers will have to buy grains from other states.' Banur presents a unique case in terms of administrative jurisdiction. While its civil administration is under Mohali district, police matters fall under the Patiala district. A master plan is a critical planning tool that lays out the long-term vision for the physical, economic, and social development of an area. Officials say that the amendment will provide a comprehensive framework for the sustainable growth of urban and peri-urban spaces, ensuring balanced development that integrates infrastructure, land use, transportation, and environmental conservation. Historical significance of Banur Banur also carries historical weight. During Mughal rule, it was a flourishing town alongside its neighbouring settlement, Chatt. In 1709, Sikh warrior Banda Singh Bahadur marched from Lohgarh and razed Banur to the ground. According to historical accounts, this was in retaliation against atrocities committed by the local Muslim rulers, who would reportedly seize and slaughter Hindu cattle in public. Banur's destruction was a part of Banda Singh Bahadur's campaign on his way to the Battle of Sirhind-Fatehgarh.
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gmada proposes Rs 800/sq yard cut in enhancement charges for sectors 76–80
1 2 3 Mohali: In a potential relief to over 30,000 plot allottees in sectors 76 to 80, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) has proposed a reduction of Rs 800 per square yard in enhancement charges. However, the proposal awaits final approval as the state government seeks a comparative review of how other regional development authorities calculate similar charges. The decision came during a Gmada executive committee meeting chaired by Punjab chief secretary K A P Sinha, who also heads the committee. The meeting was held at the PUDA office in Sector 62 on Thursday. Before moving forward with the proposed reduction, chief secretary Sinha directed Vikas Garg, principal secretary of the housing and urban development department, to conduct a comparative analysis of enhancement charge models adopted by the Noida Housing Authority and Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) at Panchkula. Enhancement charges refer to the additional compensation paid to landowners for acquired land, which is subsequently recovered from the plot allottees whose plots are carved out on that land. The contentious issue has been a longstanding concern among allottees, many of whom have questioned the rising charges and administrative delays in their calculation. According to the agenda presented at the meeting, Gmada is currently charging Rs 3,164 per square metre (approx Rs 2,645 per square yard) and now proposes to revise it to Rs 2,364 per square metre (approx. Rs 1,864 per square yard). The revised rates — if approved — would offer a relief of around Rs 800 per square yard to thousands of allottees. The proposed revision will be re-evaluated after studying the enhancement formulas used in Noida and Haryana, and the findings will be placed before the committee in the next executive meeting for final approval. Historical data reveals that in 2013, the enhancement rates were significantly lower — between Rs 700 and Rs 850 per square yard, depending on plot size. The current steep rates are attributed to the compounded interest accumulated over the past decade, a result of administrative delays in Gmada's processing and finalisation of enhancement calculations. The move signals an effort by the state to strike a balance between compensating original landowners and offering financial relief to plot allottees, while ensuring that Punjab's urban development authorities remain aligned with practices in neighbouring states. Plot owners in the affected sectors have welcomed the possibility of a revision but remain cautiously optimistic, awaiting the final nod from the Gmada executive committee.
