Ref. Link : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/gmada-to-acquire-2600-acres-of-land-across-mohali-to-curb-mushrooming-of-unauthorised-colonies/articleshow/121683611.cms

GMADA to Buy 2,600 Acres in Mohali to Stem Growth of Unauthorised Colonies

Taking a big step towards planned urbanisation, the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has decided to buy about 2,600 acres of land in and around Mohali. The move is planned to stem the rapid and uncontrolled growth of unauthorised colonies, which has been emerging as a concern in the area.

Why This Move Matters
Over the past decade, Mohali has witnessed accelerated urban growth due to its proximity to Chandigarh and rising demand for affordable housing. Unfortunately, this surge has also led to the mushrooming of illegal colonies—developments that often lack basic infrastructure such as roads, sewage systems, parks, and proper electricity supply.

These colonies not only present problems for civic governance but also risk the interests of homebuyers, who are left in legal and infrastructural nightmares. GMADA’s move is a preventive measure to check urbanization, ensure infrastructure levels, and safeguard public interest.

Details of the Land Acquisition
As per official sources, GMADA aims to buy land mainly in areas of high growth in Mohali that are presently exposed to unauthorised plotting. The land will be utilized for:

1. Planned housing schemes
2. Industrial parks
3. Public infrastructure projects
4. Green belts and urban amenities

The authority is likely to provide compensation packages for farmers and landowners under the land pooling policy that has also witnessed success in places such as Aerocity and IT City.

Effect on Real Estate and Urban Development
The acquisition will have numerous long-term effects:

Deterring Illegal Colonizers: With increased land under GMADA’s ownership, private players cannot easily indulge in unauthorized development.

Increasing Confidence in Legal Projects:

Buyers and investors can now invest in government-sanctioned projects with greater confidence, as they provide improved transparency and security.

Better Infrastructure:

With well-planned layouts and urban design, citizens will have better road connectivity, drainage, water supply, and public parks.

Challenges Ahead
There are, however, challenges associated with GMADA’s plan. These are:

Resistance from local landowners who will be asked to give up agricultural land.

Legal fights from colonisers already established in these areas.

Delays in execution, which is the case with large-scale government initiatives.

To pre-empt this, GMADA needs to provide transparent communication, expedite compensation, and active vigilance over vulnerable areas.

Conclusion
GMADA’s acquisition of 2,600 acres is a bold and much-needed move to control unregulated urban sprawl and set the stage for a more sustainable and orderly Mohali. By taking back control of development from unauthorized players, the government is making a big statement in support of law, order, and urban resilience.

As this action plays out, everyone will be watching how GMADA handles implementation, stakeholder interactions, and coordination with long-term urban masterplans.