Mohali :
GMADA should first focus on fully utilising and developing its existing vacant land. If the land already available is developed in a planned manner and used in the public interest, there will be no need to acquire new agricultural land. This will help protect farmers’ land while ensuring better utilisation of existing resources for urban development.
GMADA needs to bring changes to its functioning and planning methods. Development planning should not remain limited to acquiring new land. Instead, priority should be given to developing existing government land, vacant plots and land that has remained unused for a long time. Land should be utilised for the purpose for which it was acquired.
Satvir Singh Dhanoa, former councillor and president of Punjabi Virsa Cultural Society, said that GMADA was established to provide people with better living conditions and not to serve the interests of large corporate houses. He said senior GMADA officials do not even consider it necessary to respond to requests and representations submitted by residents.
He said it is noteworthy that GMADA has failed to provide on the ground, even after 35 years, the road shown in the master plan for Sector 69. “What more can people expect from GMADA?” he asked. He said several promises, including a need-based policy, a narrow bridge, a dirty drain, an open-air theatre, Punjabi Bhawan and green belts, were made when the city was being developed.
He said a perception has also developed among residents that the benefits of GMADA’s policies are largely reaching middlemen and people associated with large institutions. Therefore, GMADA’s planning should be completely transparent, people-centric and focused on public interest. He said GMADA has failed to resolve the basic needs and complaints of residents that have remained pending for decades, while it remains prompt in facilitating the work of large institutions.
Dhanoa said the primary objective of GMADA should be planned urban development for the people rather than unnecessary acquisition of new land. He warned that if GMADA does not start working in the public interest, a public-interest movement will be launched against GMADA officials. He said mobilisation of people for the movement has already begun.
