Punjab government to amend GMADA regional plan for Gharuan
The Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Punjab, is set to amend the regional plan of the Greater Mohala Area Development Authority (GMADA) to introduce industrial and commercial activities in the Gharuan area and across nearly 3,000 acres of land in 16 surrounding villages. This move follows the pattern of other urban settlements in the district, according to officials.
Draft land use plan outlines residential and agricultural zones
According to the draft land use plan, villages including Gharuan, Mamupur, Sakrulapur, Barauli, Hasanpur, Roorkee Pukhta, Simbal Majra, and Peer Suhana have been proposed to be designated as residential zones. Meanwhile, Machhipur, Thedi, Sil Kapda, Batta, Bibipur, Roda, Bajheri, Mahmudpur, and Sotal villages are proposed as agricultural zones. Government land in Sil and Gadanga villages is proposed to be designated as an industrial zone.
Development pressure due to proximity to Kharar
Officials noted that Gharuan, currently a Nagar Panchayat, is under tremendous development pressure due to its proximity to Kharar. At present, the area is designated as a rural and agriculture zone, where only agricultural and a few other activities are permitted. The government aims to open the Gharuan area for industrial as well as commercial ventures, similar to six urban settlements—SAS Nagar, New Chandigarh, Banur, Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, and Kharar—whose master plans and land use plans have already been notified.
Public objections and suggestions invited
The Punjab Municipal Infrastructure Development Company and the Department of Town and Country Planning have prepared the draft land use plan and have invited objections and suggestions from the public under Section 63(1) of The Punjab Regional and Town Planning and Development Act 1995.
Auction of village common land in Derri
In a related development, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayats is set to auction 43 kanals and 3 marlas of village common land in Derri village on July 13. The reserve price has been fixed at Rs 39.24 crore per acre. The auction will be conducted at the District Administrative Complex, Sector 76.
Amendments to Mohali Master Plan for Manauli village
Additionally, suggestions and objections have been invited to amend the Mohali Master Plan to convert approximately 54 acres at Manauli village, currently an institutional zone, into an industrial and warehouse zone. Sources said the move aims to free up valuable land for other uses, as it is not suited for the intended use in its present form. Officials reasoned that nearby Sectors 81 and 83 already have sizeable institutional zones where major institutes such as IISER and ISB have been established. Furthermore, IT City, Sector 82 Alpha, is being developed by GMADA, where land has also been allotted for institutions, universities, and hospitals.
