The Mohali administration is proactively addressing the welfare of residents affected by upcoming demolitions near the Air Force Station's boundary wall. To provide alternative housing, the administration is taking control of land within Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) colonies within housing society projects. Displaced residents will be allotted this land to rebuild their homes before demolition occurs, following a Punjab and Haryana High Court directive. This approach demonstrates the administration's commitment to balancing development with citizens' well-being. The initiative highlights the challenges of urban development and the importance of inclusive housing solutions, emphasizing collaboration among governments, developers, and regulatory bodies.
In a proactive move to ensure the welfare of residents affected by the demolition of structures within a 100-meter radius of the Air Force Station's boundary wall, the Mohali administration has embarked on a significant strategy. By taking control of designated land within various housing society projects for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the administration aims to provide dislodged residents with alternative housing options.
To execute this plan, displaced residents will be allotted land within these EWS colonies, enabling them to reconstruct their homes before the demolition process is initiated. This innovative approach stems from a directive issued by the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which granted a four-week window to the Mohali administration to complete the rehabilitation process before proceeding with any demolitions.
It's pertinent to note that the impending demolitions concern 56 residential structures, with 10 commercial structures already removed by the administration. Aashika Jain, the Deputy Commissioner of Mohali, stressed the administration's commitment to securing the land allotment process. She highlighted the concern that certain builders might not be enthusiastic about integrating EWS housing into their projects. As a countermeasure, the administration proactively assumed control of land within every housing society involved, with the specific intent of developing EWS housing units. These units will then be allocated to the residents displaced from the airport vicinity.
The move underscores the Mohali administration's dedication to balancing the imperative of development and growth with the well-being of its citizens. By ensuring that residents uprooted due to demolition activities have access to alternative housing, the administration is demonstrating a proactive and compassionate approach. This strategic decision aligns with the court's directive, which emphasizes completing the rehabilitation process before undertaking any demolition-related activities.
As urban landscapes continue to evolve, local administrations across the globe are grappling with the complexities of development, infrastructure expansion, and resident displacement. The Mohali administration's approach serves as a potential model for addressing these challenges in a humane and sustainable manner.
Furthermore, this situation also underscores the more significant concern of EWS housing availability within housing projects. This issue is not unique to Mohali; developers' reluctance to incorporate EWS housing within their projects has been observed in various regions. Such challenges highlight the need for collaborative efforts between governments, developers, and regulatory bodies to ensure that housing projects are inclusive and cater to the needs of all segments of society.