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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
07-06-2025
- 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
07-06-2025
- 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
06-06-2025
- 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.
