The Punjab Housing and Urban Development Department has set in motion a significant urban development plan for Mohali, involving the acquisition of land for three new sectors. The blueprint envisions transforming Sector 87 into a commercial and cultural hub reminiscent of Chandigarh's iconic Sector 17, while earmarking Sectors 101 and 103 for industrial growth.
Formal Process Begins with Social Impact Assessment
Marking a formal step in the process, the department issued a public notification on October 24, invoking Section 4 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. This action triggers the mandatory Social Impact Assessment (SIA), a crucial study designed to evaluate the project's effects on local communities.
The state government has appointed Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar as the independent agency to conduct this comprehensive assessment. Officials have stressed that the entire procedure will be conducted with full transparency, placing a high priority on gathering and considering public feedback.
GNDU Team to Visit Villages for Ground Survey
The Land Acquisition Collector's notice outlines a clear schedule for the ground survey. An expert team from GNDU is slated to interact directly with residents in the affected villages.
The team will first visit Mankmajra, Nanumajra, and Sohana on December 22. This will be followed by surveys in Sambalki, Durali, and Saneta on December 23. During these visits, the researchers will engage with villagers, farmers, and business owners to understand the potential socio-economic impact of the land acquisition.
The assessment will document a range of critical factors, including:
- Potential losses to livelihoods and assets.
- Needs and concerns of the local community.
- Objections and suggestions from affected families.
- Expectations regarding rehabilitation and compensation.
Roadmap After the Assessment Report
Once GNDU completes its field study and analysis, it will compile a detailed report for the government. This SIA report will form the basis for the next phases of the acquisition process.
As mandated by the law, the subsequent steps will include public hearings to discuss the findings, a formal period for filing and scrutiny of objections, and finally, the issuance of a declaration under Section 6 of the Act. Only after completing these steps will the final notification for land acquisition be issued.
This planned development underscores a strategic push to enhance Mohali's infrastructure, creating a major commercial centre modelled after Chandigarh's heart while simultaneously expanding its industrial base in the designated sectors.
