Gmada’s plan to trim master plan roads triggers backlash

Mohali: A proposed amendment to Mohali’s Master Plan by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) to reduce road widths in upcoming projects has drawn severe backlash from residents, urban planners, and political leaders, who warn it will lead to traffic congestion and cramped urban spaces. Former deputy mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi wrote to the Punjab chief minister demanding the immediate withdrawal of the proposal, warning of legal action in the Punjab and Haryana high court.

Bedi, along with a delegation of residents, also met Gmada chief administrator Sandeep Rishi to submit formal objections. Under the proposed master plan revisions, road widths in areas with plots up to 200 square yards will be reduced from 40 feet to 30 feet.

Additionally, sector-dividing roads originally planned at 200 feet will be narrowed to 120 feet, and to 80 feet in certain sections. Ongoing projects expected to be impacted include Eco City 3 and 4 in New Chandigarh, as well as the Aerotropolis project adjacent to the airport.

Gmada chief administrator Sandeep Rishi stated that the decision was driven by rising land acquisition costs and financial liabilities under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act. A town planning official added that converting agricultural land for residential use has increased Gmada’s financial burden, necessitating narrower roads to keep losses in check.

However, experts and local bodies strongly opposed the justification. Former senior town planner Jit Kumar Gupta noted that reducing road widths to increase saleable land creates long-term traffic bottlenecks.

Surya Kant, a senior practicing architect, highlighted that reducing road dimensions compromises essential utilities like water supply, electricity, and green belts. Surinder Gulati, former president of the Mohali property consultants’ association, warned that narrower roads could depress property values and deter buyers.

The Committee of Residents Welfare Associations and Societies (CORWAS) has also demanded the restoration of the original master plan dimensions. Bedi pointed out that a similar proposal was dropped in 2023 following public protests and urged the administration to explore high-density vertical development instead of compromising long-term infrastructure.

He requested that all traffic and environmental impact assessments be made public before any master plan modifications are processed. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chandigarh | Silver Rate in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh | Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Petrol Price in Chandigarh | Diesel Price in Chandigarh | CNG Price in Chandigarh | LPG Price in Chandigarh Stay updated with the latest Chandigarh news.