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Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Gmada to acquire 2,600 acres of land across Mohali to curb mushrooming of unauthorised colonies
MOHALI : In a significant push towards curbing the mushrooming of illegal and unauthorised colonies, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) is set to acquire land across the city. The Punjab govt has approved the acquisition of nearly 2,600 acres of land across various sectors for commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential use. The decision was taken during a meeting of the executive committee of Gmada here Friday. It was chaired by state chief secretary KAP Sinha. As per the plan, 236 acres will be acquired in Sector 87 for commercial purposes, 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional projects, and 321 acres in sectors 101 to 103 for industrial use. The biggest chunk — 1,800 acres — will be acquired in sectors 120 to 124 along the PR-7 road for residential development. The acquisition is expected to begin within a month, pending final approval from chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also heads the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority. A senior Gmada official confirmed that with this move, no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to private developers in the targeted areas. "This will ensure regulated development and curb the unchecked spread of unauthorised colonies," he explained. Particularly in sectors 120 to 123, several unauthorised colonies have mushroomed across nearly 50 acres in villages like Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli, and Jhampur. These were carved out of agricultural land without CLU approvals or the required official clearances. The chief administrator has directed officials to submit a report within two days to fix responsibility for such violations. Authorities have also been instructed to use Google satellite imagery to identify illegal constructions and take immediate legal action. The move is seen as a firm step towards enforcing urban planning norms and preventing haphazard growth in one of Punjab's fastest developing regions.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
GMADA to acquire 2,600 acres in big growth push for Mohali
In a significant step to further Mohali's growth, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) will acquire 2,600 acres of land across multiple areas for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional development. The decision was taken during a meeting of GMADA's executive committee on Friday, chaired by Punjab chief secretary KAP Sinha. The land acquisition, aimed at accelerating urban expansion in Mohali, is expected to begin within the next month. According to the committee's decision, 236 acres will be acquired in Sector 87 for commercial use, 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional purposes, 321 acres across Sectors 101 and 103 for industrial development, and a substantial 1,800 acres in Sectors 120 to 125 along the PR-7 road for residential projects, serving the increasing demand for housing. No more CLU permissions for private builders A senior GMADA official said, 'It has been decided to acquire 2,600 acres of land across different sectors. As a result, going forward, no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to any private builder in these areas. The decision will now be sent to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, who also serves as chairman of the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority, for final approval.' Subsequently, a formal notification will be issued under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, announcing commencement of land acquisition. In lieu of the land acquired, land owners will be offered residential or commercial site plots under the Punjab government's land pooling policy. Further, sites will be carved out of the land acquired and allotted through public auctions. The GMADA official further emphasised that the acquisition in Sectors 120 to 124 was aimed primarily at curbing the proliferation of unauthorised colonies. Last month, Hindustan Times had reported the emergence of unauthorised colonies, covering nearly 50 acres across Sectors 120 to 123 and in villages such as Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli and Jhampur. These colonies were reportedly carved out of agricultural land without securing the mandatory CLU clearances, which require steep fees and official approvals. GMADA officials confirmed that development activities remained a top priority and that efforts to promote planned and legal growth will continue to be strictly enforced across the region. Aerotropolis also moving ahead after green nod Adding another chapter in Mohali's growth, GMADA's ambitious Aerotropolis project has received environmental clearance from the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, paving the way for development of a world-class township. GMADA's seventh urban residential project, Aerotropolis will come up on more than 5,500 acres in the vicinity of Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport on both sides of the Banur-Zirakpur road. The other six townships include Aerocity, Knowledge City, IT City, all in the vicinity of the airport, and EcoCity, EduCity and MediCity in New Chandigarh, Mullanpur. The authority is pumping in ₹1,000 crore in Aerotropolis's capital development before launching the project. An extension of Aerocity, it will comprise both commercial and residential plots in four pockets – A, B, C and D. Expected to be around 8,500 in number, the residential plots will range from 100 to 2,000 square yards. The master plan also features expansive parks, sports complexes, shopping arcades, healthcare centres and green corridors—offering residents a holistic, high-quality urban living experience.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Gmada to acquire 2,600 acres of land across Mohali to curb mushrooming of unauthorised colonies
1 2 Mohali: In a significant push towards curbing the mushrooming of illegal and unauthorised colonies, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) is set to acquire land across the city. The Punjab govt has approved the acquisition of nearly 2,600 acres of land across various sectors for commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential use. The decision was taken during a meeting of the executive committee of Gmada here Friday. It was chaired by state chief secretary KAP Sinha. As per the plan, 236 acres will be acquired in Sector 87 for commercial purposes, 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional projects, and 321 acres in sectors 101 to 103 for industrial use. The biggest chunk — 1,800 acres — will be acquired in sectors 120 to 124 along the PR-7 road for residential development. The acquisition is expected to begin within a month, pending final approval from chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also heads the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority. A senior Gmada official confirmed that with this move, no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to private developers in the targeted areas. "This will ensure regulated development and curb the unchecked spread of unauthorised colonies," he explained. Particularly in sectors 120 to 123, several unauthorised colonies have mushroomed across nearly 50 acres in villages like Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli, and Jhampur. These were carved out of agricultural land without CLU approvals or the required official clearances. The chief administrator has directed officials to submit a report within two days to fix responsibility for such violations. Authorities have also been instructed to use Google satellite imagery to identify illegal constructions and take immediate legal action. The move is seen as a firm step towards enforcing urban planning norms and preventing haphazard growth in one of Punjab's fastest developing regions. BOX ROADMAP FOR ONE OF PUNJAB'S FASTEST DEVELOPING REGIONS 236 acres will be acquired in Sector 87 for commercial purposes 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional projects 321 acres in sectors 101 to 103 for industrial use The biggest chunk — 1,800 acres — will be acquired in sectors 120 to 124 along the PR-7 road for residential development IN A COLOUR PATCH: The acquisition is expected to begin within a month, pending final approval from CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, who also heads the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority QUOTE With this move, no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to private developers in the targeted areas. This will ensure regulated development and curb the unchecked spread of unauthorised colonies A senior Gmada official Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Centre asks Punjab govt to reconsider fee levied on ethanol production
The Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has written a letter to Punjab government asking it to reconsider the fee which has been levied in the state's excise policy on production of ethanol. The letter, accessed by The Indian Express, has been written by Praveen M Khanooja, Additional Secretary in the petroleum ministry to Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha on April 8. The letter states that the provision to levy Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass fee) in Excise Policy 2025-26 may restrict free movement of ethanol within and outside the state, which will further increase the cost of ethanol blended petrol. 'It has been brought to the Ministry's notice by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) that as per the excise policy of Punjab state, there is a substantial increase in the license fee, annual renewal fee and capacity enhancement fee for Distilleries (Part D, Para 6 a & b of Punjab's Excise Policy). Also, Para 29 'Regulatory fee on ethanol' of the Policy makes a provision to levy Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass fee) @ Rs. 1 per Bulk Litre,' read the letter. The petroleum ministry pointed out that the Union government has been promoting ethanol blending in petrol to give boost to domestic agricultural sector and associated environment benefits. 'Over the last one decade, ethanol blending has improved from 1.5 per cent to more than 18 per cent and the country is on course to achieve the 20 per cent blending target by Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2025-26. Punjab has made significant contributions to the success of this programme by achieving a blending percentage of 18.8 per cent in ESY 2024-25, as on March 2025,' the letter adds. It goes on to add apart from augmenting distillation capacities of existing plants, dedicated ethanol plants are being commissioned in Punjab providing employment opportunities and giving boost to circular economy. 'The increased fee in the Excise Policy 2025-26 is likely to increase the cost of ethanol blended petrol, affecting the viability of ethanol producers/suppliers and OMCs. The provision to levy Regulatory Fee (Ethanol Permit/Pass fee) in Excise Policy may restrict free movement of ethanol within and outside the state, which will increase the cost of ethanol blended petrol,' Khanooja says in the letter. The petroleum ministry official urged the Chief Secretary to review the Excise Policy and reconsider any levy/fee on fuel ethanol production/consumption/transportation in Punjab to facilitate smooth off take and free movement of green fuel ethanol for the benefit of environment and farmers. The dual benefits of ethanol blending — reducing carbon emissions and supporting the agricultural economy — have been highlighted by experts since long. By promoting maize cultivation, the initiative aims to provide farmers with an alternative crop, ensuring income stability while contributing to environmental sustainability through cleaner fuel alternatives. Ministry officials say achieving the 20 per cent ethanol blending target will reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and align with India's climate goals. 'Increased maize cultivation and ethanol production will create employment opportunities in Punjab, particularly through the establishment of dedicated ethanol plants. Encouraging maize cultivation may diversify Punjab's agricultural landscape, reducing dependence on traditional crops like wheat and paddy, which could lead to more sustainable farming practices,' the official added.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
Before Punjab finance minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Sangrur hooch tragedy probe panel called for strong central law to curb methanol use
Chandigarh: In a letter to the Union industry and commerce minister on Wednesday, following the Majitha hooch tragedy, sought the framing of supplementary legal provisions or a dedicated national law among other regulatory measures for methyl alcohol. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The recommendation came after the Majitha hooch tragedy, the toll of which has reached 27, and more than four months after a high-level committee of three senior IAS officers which probed the March 2024 hooch tragedy in Sangrur advocated for a "very strong central legislation". "Since hooch tragedies are being reported across different states, primarily due to methyl alcohol entering the ethyl alcohol supply chain, there is an urgent need for a strong central legislation," according to the report by Punjab chief secretary K A P Sinha, then excise commissioner Varun Roojam, and then additional chief secretary (industries) Tejveer Singh. The panel, formed in the aftermath of the March 2024 Sangrur incident, had strongly advocated for a national framework to regulate methanol production and distribution. The panel had also urged for dynamic and uniform enforcement mechanisms across states. In addition, the report called upon the Punjab health and family welfare department to implement the Punjab Poisons Possession and Sale Rules, 2014, framed under the Poisons Act, 1919, to curb methanol pilferage. A letter in this regard, TOI has learnt, was sent to the principal secretary of the department on Dec 30, 2024—days before the panel submitted its report to the state government. "These rules empower executive magistrates, police sub-inspectors and above, medical officers, and designated inspectors to inspect licensed premises selling poison, including methanol," the report stated. "There is an urgent need to properly regulate the through consistent district-level enforcement," the report added. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Two owners of a Ludhiana-based chemical factory, from where the methanol used in making spurious liquor in the Majitha incident was allegedly procured by the accused, were among the 16 arrests made by Punjab Police. Meanwhile, emphasising the need to ensure distinctly separate supply chains, the report also stated, "Niti Ayog has been recommending ramping up methyl alcohol production from 2 MT to 20 MT. Immediate action is thus warranted to ensure that methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol supply chains are made distinctly separate and there is no scope of pilferage at any level at any point in time." It added, "Introduction of a legal regulatory framework for control over methanol can definitely go a long way in ensuring the implementation of strict surveillance and control measures to prevent the diversion of industrial methanol." As reported by the TOI on Thursday, the panel, among other things, also observed that there was a "need to enhance both the capabilities and accountability of police and excise enforcement wings to effectively combat illicit brewing. " MSID:: 121192060 413 |
