EIA study green-lights realignment of N-choe in IT City to prevent flooding
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Mohali: Sustainable urban planning in the district received a major boost as the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study approved the proposed realignment of the N-choe within the IT City township project in Sector 82.
The move aims to mitigate risks of flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage while enhancing the development feasibility and environmental resilience of the upcoming township.
The project was under consideration with NGT where the EIA study report has been submitted for further orders.
According to the EIA report, the realignment of the choe (seasonal rivulet) is not merely a cosmetic adjustment but a strategic planning intervention designed to unlock land potential, optimise infrastructure layout, and improve long-term ecological balance.
With increasing urbanisation, the existing alignment poses a threat due to poor drainage geometry, unregulated flow patterns, and reduced channel capacity — all of which compromise the safety and sustainability of the township.
The proposed realignment will straighten the watercourse, reduce its travel length, and increase its width. This not only improves hydraulic efficiency but also frees up valuable land for critical infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and green spaces.
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The reclaimed land, a premium resource in urban settings, will significantly enhance project viability for Gmada.
Importantly, the study confirms that both the existing and proposed alignments lie in proximity, ensuring minimal changes in topography and terrain. This ensures no major shifts in the hydraulic behaviour of the choe, and in fact, reduces the risk of localised flooding and soil erosion. The inclusion of 30-metre green buffers on both sides will further stabilise the environment, promote biodiversity, and add to the visual appeal of the area.
"If left unaddressed, the current drainage alignment would continue to cause waterlogging and damage public infrastructure during high-intensity rainfall events. Sudden downpours during the monsoon season already stretch the region's drainage capacity to its limits. The existing choe cannot handle such shock loading, but the proposed realignment is equipped to do so," the report states.
The EIA also underlines the broader urban planning implications.
With IT City designed to host high-density residential, commercial, and institutional hubs, an efficient and modern drainage system is non-negotiable. The choe's present form could jeopardise this vision, threatening the investment potential and safety of infrastructure.
Moreover, the project includes the first-of-its-kind systematic environmental evaluation of choe realignment in the region. The EIA study assessed impacts on hydrology, soil stability, water quality, air and noise levels, biodiversity, and socio-economic aspects.
It found no adverse effects, concluding that the realignment would enhance rather than compromise ecological stability.
Experts involved in the study stated that the initiative is a "win-win" for both development and the environment. "The move allows for the responsible use of land, effective water management, and a boost in urban aesthetics without causing any environmental degradation," the report concluded.
With the EIA study endorsing the plan, Gmada is expected to proceed with the implementation. The realignment is now being seen as a critical component of Mohali's future-ready urban blueprint — one that combines environmental prudence with infrastructure innovation.
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