MOHALI: The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) is facing significant pushback against its land pooling initiative, achieving participation from only 15 landowners out of nearly 8,000, even after a two-month application period aimed at acquiring 2,600 acres. This scheme has ignited protests among farmers across various villages in Mohali district.
In a move to secure land for commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential use, GMADA opened applications, yet the response has been overwhelmingly negative, with many farmers rejecting the proposal entirely.
“We have received very few applications for the land pooling option. We are trying to persuade landowners, but only 15 have expressed interest so far,” stated a senior GMADA official, wishing to remain anonymous.
The plan outlines the acquisition of 236 acres in Sector 87 for commercial purposes, 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional projects, and 321 acres in sectors 101 to 103 for industrial development. The largest allotment — 1,800 acres — is designated for residential development across sectors 120 to 124 along the PR-7 road.
This initiative aims to prevent the unchecked spread of unauthorized colonies and promote orderly urban growth. GMADA has already declared that no Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions will be granted to private developers in these areas. Numerous unauthorized colonies have emerged across nearly 50 acres in villages such as Daun, Raipur, Behlolpur, Barmajra, Tarauli, and Jhampur — primarily established on agricultural land without proper approvals.
The GMADA chief administrator has tasked officials with submitting a report within two days to identify accountability for these violations and to utilize Google satellite imagery to monitor and address illegal constructions.
Farmers from several villages, including Patton, Siaou, Badi, Kishanpura, Kurdi, and Matran, have delivered a memorandum to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann through GMADA’s chief administrator, voicing their opposition to the land pooling policy.
“GMADA is offering compensation rates that are far below market value. We are the rightful owners of our land and will not relinquish it. We will not register our land in favor of the government,” argued Harvinder Singh Lambardar, representing the dissenting farmers.
This policy has sparked considerable resistance throughout the region, with farmers asserting that it disproportionately benefits large landowners while putting smaller landholders—especially those with plots under five acres—at a greater disadvantage. Many have also claimed that the administration employs police pressure to compel participation.
