The Urban Estate Eco City-3 project by GMADA in New Chandigarh has faced setbacks due to bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints, putting its future in uncertainty. Challenges include the Punjab government's demand for detailed land information, delaying land acquisition. The project, based on land pooling, was stalled due to fund shortages and limited landowner participation. Despite these issues, GMADA plans to launch Aerotropolis, a 1,653-acre township near the airport, showcasing its commitment to regional development. Successful resolution of hurdles will be crucial for revitalizing the Eco City-3 initiative and fostering economic growth.
The Urban Estate Eco City-3 project, a significant initiative by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), has encountered substantial challenges, causing a substantial setback since its inception in 2016. The project, slated for New Chandigarh, aimed to transform 720 acres of land from six villages - Raigarh, Takipur, Kartarpur, Kansala, and Hoshiarpur into a thriving urban centre encompassing residential, commercial, and institutional properties. However, the development has been halted due to bureaucratic hurdles and financial constraints, leaving the future of this ambitious endeavour in uncertainty.
One of the major stumbling blocks GMADA has faced is the requirement imposed by the Punjab government to provide precise details of the land to be acquired, specifying the 'Khasra Numbers' (revenue numbers) of the land parcels. This demand has caused significant delays as compiling this information is a time-consuming process, hindering the progress of the land acquisition procedure. Consequently, the project has been put on hold until these issues are resolved.
The project's concept was based on the land pooling policy, a method wherein landowners were supposed to receive 1,100 square yards of industrial plots and 200 square yards of developed commercial plots for every acre contributed, instead of cash compensation. This approach was designed to encourage landowners to participate actively in the project's development. However, due to a shortage of funds and a lacklustre response to the land pooling scheme, GMADA was compelled to suspend the land acquisition process in July 2020.
Furthermore, the situation worsened when private entities capitalized on GMADA's setback, purchasing approximately 150 acres in the same area. To counteract this, the authority implemented stringent measures, including prohibiting the issuance of Change-of-Land Use (CLU) certificates or licenses to any builder within the Eco City-3 or Medicity regions, safeguarding the remaining available land.
Despite these challenges, GMADA is gearing up to launch its seventh independent township, Aerotropolis, spanning 1,653 acres near the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport. The development, set to commence in the last week of January, holds the promise of invigorating the region’s real estate landscape, demonstrating GMADA’s commitment to advancing urban infrastructure.
In conclusion, while the Urban Estate Eco City-3 project remains in limbo, GMADA's proactive measures in other developments reflect their resilience and determination to foster growth in the region. The successful resolution of the ongoing challenges faced by GMADA will be pivotal in revitalizing the stalled Eco City-3 initiative, contributing significantly to the area's economic and urban development.
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