In a significant administrative overhaul, the Punjab government has officially approved a major expansion of the Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC), bringing 14 new villages under its jurisdiction and paving the way for a substantial increase in the number of wards.
Final Notification Issued After Public Demand
After months of deliberation, the Punjab Local Government Department issued the final notification on Saturday, settling the long-awaited boundary expansion for the Mohali MC. The new limits now encompass several key areas adjoining Landran, Chhapparchiri, and localities towards the Kharar border. These areas had been notably missing from an earlier draft, which had sparked significant resentment among their residents.
This inclusion fundamentally alters the civic landscape of the region. The number of wards is now expected to jump from the current 50 to around 75, reflecting the increased size and population of the corporation.
Celebrations and Disappointment Mark the Decision
The final notification brings villages like Balongi, Ballomajra, Landran, Lakhnour, Chhapparchiri Khurd, Chhapparchiri Kalan, and TDI City into the MC fold. For residents of Balongi, TDI City, and Green Enclave, the announcement was met with celebrations. They have long demanded MC inclusion to secure access to basic civic amenities.
Many locals termed the decision a "victory of their long struggle," expressing hope for imminent improvements in roads, sewerage, water supply, street lighting, and overall sanitation.
However, the village of Badmajra was left out of the final notification, leaving its residents disappointed and discontent. Locals announced plans to seek reconsideration from the government, stating their demands for inclusion had been ignored.
Administrative Reshuffle and Political Reactions
Following the boundary expansion, the MC administration faces a massive task. It must now undertake the process of creating new wards, deploying staff zone-wise, redistributing budget allocations, and preparing revised development plans. The upcoming MC elections are also likely to be conducted based on this new delimitation.
Reacting to the development, constituency MLA Kulwant Singh praised the government for taking a "pro-people decision in line with public demand." He acknowledged that some areas were initially left out and credited their inclusion to the government honouring people's wishes.
Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi welcomed the new boundary, stating the government was compelled to revise the limits due to public pressure. "This is truly the victory of people's unity and persistence," he said, noting that residents had even fought a legal battle for this outcome.
Meanwhile, SAD district president Parvinder Singh Sohana raised concerns about overlapping notifications for the MC expansion and the upcoming Block Samiti and Zila Parishad elections. He demanded immediate clarity from the government on whether residents of the newly added 14 villages can contest in these rural body elections or only in the MC polls.
