The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) is set to acquire 2,600 acres across key sectors to bolster Mohali’s urban expansion, focusing on residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional developments. This strategic move, approved by the GMADA executive committee, signals a concerted effort to promote planned, equitable growth and curb unauthorised land use in the rapidly evolving city.
GMADA’s ambitious acquisition plan covers diverse land uses, including 236 acres in Sector 87 for commercial development, 313 acres in Sector 84 for institutional projects, and 321 acres in Sectors 101 and 103 dedicated to industrial facilities. The largest share, 1,800 acres along the PR-7 corridor spanning Sectors 120 to 125, is earmarked for residential housing, addressing the escalating demand amid Mohali’s expanding population and workforce. Importantly, the authority’s decision marks a shift away from granting Change of Land Use (CLU) permissions to private builders in these areas, reinforcing GMADA’s commitment to a more controlled, sustainable urban landscape. This policy aims to prevent the unchecked proliferation of unauthorised colonies that have surfaced recently, undermining urban planning and infrastructure.
The enforcement of land acquisition under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, will ensure fair compensation and relocation support to affected landowners, who will also have the option of receiving residential or commercial plots through the Punjab government’s land pooling scheme. GMADA plans to auction portions of the acquired land to facilitate transparent and equitable development. This acquisition initiative also seeks to protect agricultural land and curtail illegal settlements that emerged in recent months across Sectors 120 to 123 and nearby villages. Such unplanned growth has threatened ecological balance and strained essential services, highlighting the need for stronger governance.
Adding to Mohali’s urban transformation, GMADA’s flagship Aerotropolis project has secured environmental clearance, paving the way for a sprawling township spanning over 5,500 acres near Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. This eco-conscious development promises a blend of residential and commercial spaces, with extensive green corridors, parks, healthcare centres, and sports complexes—designed to foster a carbon-neutral, inclusive, and modern living environment. Aerotropolis, a ₹1,000 crore investment, will complement six other GMADA townships including Aerocity, Knowledge City, and IT City, all located in the vicinity of the airport and New Chandigarh. The master plan envisions around 8,500 residential plots ranging from 100 to 2,000 square yards, catering to diverse housing needs with an emphasis on sustainability and community well-being.
Through these initiatives, GMADA is signalling a transformative vision for Mohali—anchoring development in legal frameworks, environmental stewardship, and social equity. As the city expands, these measures are critical to balancing rapid urbanisation with the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of inclusive growth. While challenges remain in implementation and stakeholder alignment, the strategic acquisition and Aerotropolis project together represent a vital step towards positioning Mohali as a forward-looking, eco-friendly urban hub ready to meet the demands of the future.
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