LUDHIANA: The Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) is currently pursuing plans to take over colonies and sites from the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (Glada), even as efforts to acquire areas from the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) continue. Glada has been attempting to complete the takeover for over ten years but has faced numerous challenges. MC officials have stated they are holding discussions and will soon make a decision at the house level.
The Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority has proposed to transfer several schemes and areas, including Sector 32A, Sanjay Gandhi Colony (25 acres), sectors 33 and 38, Chandigarh Road commercial pocket, sectors 39, 39A and 40, Dugri Urban Estate (Phase III), EWS pocket, various commercial pockets, and numerous other locations across the city.
Sham Lal Gupta, the MC superintending engineer, stated, “The process is ongoing, and we are convening meetings to address the issues. Once everything is finalized, we will seek permission from the MC house, and if all goes smoothly, we will take control of these areas.” Recently, the MC drafted a proposal to acquire six areas from LIT, requesting Rs 57 crore in one-time maintenance charges, which LIT has questioned. This additional responsibility could strain the already limited resources of the civic body as they await a response concerning funding from LIT.
Previous house rejected the proposal
In December 2021, the MC house rejected a proposal to take over colonies and urban schemes from Glada, citing potential financial strain on the civic body. Despite joint surveys conducted by MC and Glada teams, a demand notice amounting to Rs 21 crore was prepared to recover one-time expenses from the development authority.
