Mohali:
Raising strong objections to the proposed plan of the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to raise a loan of around ₹15,000 crore, Councillor Kuldeep Kaur Dhanoa has said that the authority should first generate revenue from its land and sites that have remained unused for decades before taking on any additional financial burden.
Councillor Dhanoa said that nearly 50 acres of GMADA land in Sector 69 alone has remained vacant for around 40 years. The land, she said, is often found littered with garbage and waste. If such land is properly developed or auctioned, it could potentially generate thousands of crores of rupees for the government.
She pointed out that the issue is not confined to Sector 69. Several large plots and sites across Mohali have remained vacant for decades. A number of plots in the Industrial Area, she said, have also remained underutilised since their allotment.
“Generate revenue from the land already acquired before talking about taking new loans. Instead of putting an additional debt burden on the public, GMADA should make productive use of its existing assets,” Dhanoa said.
She further demanded that long-vacant plots and sites where allotment conditions have allegedly been violated should be reviewed through due legal process. Where legally permissible, such properties should be resumed and subsequently re-auctioned or allotted to eligible individuals or institutions.
According to Dhanoa, many vacant sites have gradually turned into dumping grounds, with accumulated garbage posing serious sanitation and health concerns for nearby residents. Proper utilisation of these properties, she said, could simultaneously address civic problems and generate revenue.
Dhanoa said GMADA needs to change its approach towards land management and development. “If the authority properly utilises its existing land and assets, it can generate substantial revenue for urban development projects without unnecessarily increasing its debt burden,” she said.
Focus on Existing Industrial Land, Says Satvir Singh Dhanoa
Prominent social worker Satvir Singh Dhanoa also supported the demand, saying that instead of acquiring additional land, GMADA should first utilise the land it has already acquired, particularly in the Industrial Area.
He said that making better use of existing vacant industrial plots would not only reduce the need to purchase more land but could also help protect agricultural land and facilitate the establishment of new industries.
Satvir Singh Dhanoa added that such a strategy could save the government crores of rupees and ensure better utilisation of public assets.
He further warned that if GMADA fails to take concrete steps regarding the auction, development and utilisation of long-vacant sites, the issue would be taken before the court of public opinion.
Kuldeep Kaur Dhanoa
Councillor, Ward No. 13, Mohali
