GMADA Sector 90 development: 7 years on, around 700 allottees await possession

Forest dept had refused to issue NOC as a part of the land acquired for the project came under the Punjab Land Preservation Act

Seven years on, around 700 allottees, who got letters of intent (LoI) for projects coming up in Sector 90, are still awaiting possession as Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has failed to get a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the forest department. The project is set to see further delay as some approvals have to come from the Centre.

In 2015, GMADA had acquired 229 acres under a land pooling scheme to develop the sector, situated near Lakhnaur village in Mohali. (HT File)

In 2015, GMADA had acquired 229 acres under a land pooling scheme to develop the sector, situated near Lakhnaur village in Mohali.

Later when GMADA sought a NOC, the forest department stated that around 43 acres of the acquired land comes under Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1900, and so, an NOC cannot be issued.

The PLPA was enacted by the government of Punjab in 1900. It provides for the conservation of subsoil water and/or prevention of erosion in areas found to be subject to erosion or likely to become liable to erosion.

A senior GMADA official, who is dealing with the project, said, “When the land was acquired, we were not aware of PLPA land and even the revenue department does not have anything on record. Now, they have raised objection and we have applied for deforestation of land. Hopefully, it will be done soon. Our layout plan is ready.”

On Monday, GMADA chief administrator, along with other senior officials, held a meeting with forest department officials.

An official present in the meeting said, “GMADA had applied for approval from the forest department, but some formalities are yet to be completed. Also, some approvals have to come from the Centre, which may take time.”

Under land pooling, farmers were offered housing and commercial sites in lieu of their land, he added.

As per the plan, GMADA was to initially develop 144 acres. Residential plots measuring 100 to 500 square yards will come up over 29 acres, commercial sites will come up over 14 acres and 11 acres will be earmarked for institutions. Parks will be developed over eight acres, waterworks will take up two acres and roads will be constructed over 28 acres.

GMADA superintending engineer Ajay Garg said, “We can start the development work only once we get the layout plan.”