MOHALI: On Monday, over 25 resident welfare associations (RWAs) and market associations from Sectors 123, 124, and 125 protested against Gmada. Their anger stemmed from the prolonged delay in constructing the 200ft Dara Studio-Khanpur masterplan road.
Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang joined the protest, organized by the 200 Ft Master Plan Road Sangharsh Committee. He assured residents that he would prioritize the issue.
Residents voiced their frustrations, stating that more than 20,000 families had invested their life savings in homes and businesses, reliant on the promised road. Builders and property dealers had marketed plots and homes based on this crucial connectivity feature. “Although houses and markets have sprung up around the proposed road, the road itself, a basic necessity part of Gmada’s master plan, is still nonexistent after all these years,” said Maninder Preet Singh, president of the Sangharsh Committee.
They detailed many daily struggles due to the absence of this vital stretch, including frequent accidents, vehicle issues, seasonal flooding, and severe dust pollution. Commuting time has significantly increased, public transport is sparse, and emergency services face delays in reaching these densely populated areas. “This is more than just an inconvenience; it poses a safety risk for countless families,” stated general secretary Antar Singh Brar.
The RWAs expressed that the prolonged delay has left them feeling deceived, as they trusted Gmada’s master plan and the commitments made when purchasing property. Despite numerous follow-ups, many claimed there had been no progress on the road project.
After visiting the site, Kang assured residents of his push for immediate construction, stating the road is essential for not only the three sectors but also for easing traffic congestion in surrounding areas like Gopal Sweets/KFC Chowk and Nijjar Chowk, serving as an alternative route for local villages including Jhungia, Jandpur, Halalpur, and Bhukri.
Over 25 RWAs collaboratively submitted a memorandum, imploring Gmada to initiate construction without further delays, stating that thousands of families should not have to endure ongoing hardships due to government inaction.
