Latest news with #Gmada
Time of India
6 days ago
- 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.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Power woes in Aerocity: PSPCL to lay overhead cables as interim fix for moisture-affected underground network
1 2 Mohali: Amid ongoing power woes faced by the residents in Aerocity, the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has decided to install overhead power cables as a temporary fix. The move comes in response to technical failures in the township's underground cable network, which is reportedly catching moisture and disrupting supply. Aerocity, Gmada's flagship mega township in Mohali, was designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including an underground power distribution system. However, over the past several years — and especially during the rainy season — PSPCL has been facing frequent malfunctions caused by moisture seeping into cable joints, leading to transformer breakdowns and extended outages. In a recent development, PSPCL has written to Gmada seeking land allotment for setting up two major power grid substations of 220 kV and 166 kV to ensure a reliable and long-term solution to the power crisis in the area. To tackle the immediate situation, PSPCL is laying overhead power lines in vulnerable areas. These will be energised whenever underground cables fail, enabling faster restoration of supply. Mohali deputy commissioner Komal Mittal confirmed the issue had gained attention at the administrative level. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cách giao dịch ETH/USD mà không cần nắm giữ Ether IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "I received multiple complaints from Aerocity residents regarding frequent outages. A meeting was held with PSPCL officers and the area executive engineer. During the meeting, PSPCL proposed the installation of overhead cables as a temporary measure to shift the load during underground failures," she said. "They have been instructed to implement this solution swiftly and simultaneously work on a permanent fix." Despite repeated attempts, PSPCL Aerocity executive engineer Shawinder Singh could not be reached for comments. Residents of Aerocity, who invested in the township for its promised modern amenities, expressed frustration over the continuing power crisis. Many allege that the area, despite its premium branding, is plagued by poor civic infrastructure and basic service failures. "We were sold a dream, but reality is quite the opposite," said a disgruntled resident. As PSPCL works to execute the overhead line plan and awaits Gmada's response on substation land allotment, Aerocity's residents hope for a more reliable power supply in the days to come.
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.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Only 15 out of 8,000 villagers opt for land pooling in Mohali, farmers protest Gmada policy
1 2 Mohali: The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada)'s ambitious land pooling scheme has faced a near-complete rejection from local landowners, with only 15 villagers out of nearly 8,000 opting in, despite a two-month window to acquire 2,600 acres of land. The scheme has sparked widespread protests among farmers across several villages in Mohali district. Gmada had invited applications from landowners under its land pooling policy to acquire land across various sectors for commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential development. However, the scheme received a poor response, with farmers outright rejecting the proposal. "We have a very poor response to the land pooling option. We are trying to convince landowners, but only 15 have come forward so far," said a senior Gmada officer, requesting anonymity. 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 largest chunk — 1,800 acres — will be acquired in sectors 120 to 124 along the PR-7 road for residential development. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The move is aimed at curbing the rampant growth of unauthorised colonies and ensuring regulated urban expansion. Gmada has already stated that no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to private developers in the designated areas. Several unauthorised colonies have already sprung up across nearly 50 acres in villages such as Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli, and Jhampur—mostly carved out of agricultural land without official approvals. The GMADA chief administrator has directed officials to submit a report within two days fixing responsibility for these violations and to use Google satellite imagery to detect and act against illegal constructions. Meanwhile, farmers from villages including Patton, Siaou, Badi, Kishanpura, Kurdi, and Matran have submitted a memorandum to chief minister Bhagwant Mann through Gmada's chief administrator, opposing the land pooling policy. "Gmada is offering compensation far below market rates. We are the rightful tenants of our villages and will not part with our land. We refuse to register our land in favour of the government," said Harvinder Singh Lambardar, speaking on behalf of the protesting farmers. The policy has triggered strong resistance across the region, with farmers alleging that it favours large landowners while marginal landholders — particularly those with plots under five acres — stand to lose the most. Many have also accused the administration of deploying police pressure to coerce participation. WHAT GMADA WANTS 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 PR-7 road for residential development
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Farmers refuse to part with land, oppose Pb govt plan
Mohali: In a show of strong resistance, farmers from several villages in Mohali district have come out against the Punjab govt's land pooling policy, refusing to hand over their land to the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada). Farmers from Patton, Siaou, Badi, Kishanpura, Kurdi, and Matran villages reached the Gmada office Monday and submitted a memorandum addressed to CM Bhagwant Mann through the chief administrator of Gmada, voicing their stiff opposition. The farmers alleged that Gmada is offering landowners compensation far below prevailing market rates. "We are the rightful residents and tenants of our villages and do not consent to give our land to Gmada. We will not register our land in favour of the govt under any circumstance," said Harvinder Singh Lambardar as stated in their written appeal. Citing past experiences, the farmers said despite land being acquired for Aerocity in 2009, commercial plots have not been allotted to the original landowners even after 15 years. "While the govt charges 18% interest from citizens on delayed payments, the farmers have not received any interest or compensation for the delay in plot allotments," they claimed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5-year-old girl needs her second heart surgery! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo They further alleged that while prime land acquired for the ACTI (Aerotropolis) project was handed over to private builders and influential individuals, farmers were allocated plots in underdeveloped or remote areas. "These developers have constructed high-rise towers on that land and are selling apartments at premium prices, while farmers are left with plots where development hasn't even begun," the farmers added. Referring to sectors 88 and 89, the protesting farmers said land was acquired in 2011 but instead of being allotted plots in these sectors, farmers were shifted to sectors 95-A and 95-B — areas that remain underdeveloped for more than a decade. "These rooms and booths cannot even be rented for another 15 years, making them useless for us," said one of the farmers. In another example, they pointed to the IT City project where land was acquired in 2011, but commercial possession is yet to be granted even after 14 years. The farmers also objected to the way Gmada had planned and profited from mixed-land-use zoning. "In 2021, nearly 180 acres of prime land in villages like Ghawarpur, Bhat, and Chau Majra was designated for mixed use, valued at nearly Rs 18,000 crore — without Gmada spending a single rupee on acquisition," they claimed. Farmers accused Gmada of allowing builders to construct 8-12 storey buildings and 25-45 storey residential towers on land once owned by villagers, generating massive profits in the process. "If such construction is permitted for builders, farmers too should be allowed to build multi-storey buildings to receive the true value of their land," they demanded. They also cited examples of land prices in nearby areas like Zirakpur, Banur, and Kuhali where rates range from Rs 30 crore to Rs 60 crore per acre, saying their own lands — being close to the airport — are even more valuable.
