CHANDIGARH: While the AAP government promotes its new Land Pooling Policy, 2025, farmers in Hoshiarpur village near New Chandigarh have been waiting for over a decade for commercial sites they were promised by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) following land acquisitions in 2013 for the Eco City II (extension) scheme.
Though landowners who chose monetary compensation have been paid, those opting for plots still await their final allotments. These landowners have only received letters of intent (LoI), which do not equate to final plot allocations. As a result, their intentions to rent out showrooms and booths have been hindered since their fertile farmland, the primary source of their livelihood, was acquired. This ongoing delay has left the landowners feeling stranded.
Satnam Singh, whose five acres were acquired for Eco City II, chose plots under the land pooling scheme and received an LoI for two commercial sites. He expressed, “Though I received the letter of intent, the allotment is still pending. I could have developed these sites by now and leased them out.” He did receive possession of six residential plots but mentioned, “We were given Rs 25,000 per acre for the first three years, but this compensation was subsequently halted. We haven’t received any compensation for the delay concerning commercial sites, despite the pressing need for them in our area where even basic services like a milk booth are unavailable.”
Manjit Singh, another affected landowner, noted that while his family acquired three residential plots for their 12 acres seized in 2018, the promised 12-square-yard showroom site remains unallocated. He advised others to be cautious regarding their choices when their land is acquired, having initially expected to receive all the sites within two to three years.
Gurdial Singh’s family, which opted for land pooling for their five acres, was promised two to four showroom sites but has faced significant financial burdens due to the delays. “It’s been challenging financially for us,” he lamented.
In 2013, GMADA acquired around 96 acres from Hoshiarpur village for the Eco City II (Extension) scheme. As part of the land pooling policy, landowners were offered the option to receive plots in exchange for their land, leading to the creation of 106 residential and 66 commercial plots.
“Despite its proximity to Chandigarh, development in this area has not met expectations. Many residential plots remain unsold, and the ambitious projects have not materialized,” Satnam Singh remarked.
The villagers also highlighted an inconsistency: GMADA is currently selling plots to the public from land believed to be meant for these schemes, while the beneficiaries of the land pooling policy still await their allocations.
Meanwhile, GMADA officials reported last month that tenders have recently been issued for development work.
