Crackdown on illegal PGs in UT leads to realty boom in Mohali

At present there is a huge demand for PG accommodation in Mohali as a lot of private colleges have sprung up in the city’s vicinity. Students are struggling to find PG accommodation as most of them are already booked or are charging too much and offering too less. The situation is such that people are approaching their friends and relatives to get accommodation for themselves.

Mohali,which previously had been considered cheaper than Chandigarh when it came to PG accommodation seems to have hit back by unleashing its new improved rates.

At present,PG owners charge anything between Rs 3500- 5000 per person. Even this amount does not guarantee all three meals as one has to pay extra for using facilities like cooler,laptops and other electronic appliances.

Moreover,the PG owners in the city are also flouting norms. According to GMADA rules,only houses of 8 marlas and above can be converted into PGs. This rule have been flouted by many in the city.

Rules like availability of one toilet or bathroom for 5 people and at least 50 square feet space for every person are generally overlooked by the PG owners. In order to earn maximum money from the limited space,a single room is given to 3 people and in many cases the number can also go up to 4 per room. Add to this,only 8 out the 169 PGs have been registered under GMADA.

Speaking to Newsline,Estate Officer Balbir Singh Dhol,said,“GMADA does not decide the charges for PGs and it is decided between the two concerned parties. In the recent past we have sent notices to many unregistered paying guest accommodations in the city. Most of the PGs are now showing rent agreements to prove that paying guests are staying as tenants.

“We have the provision of issuing resumption notice to any building flouting building by laws. The premises can also be sealed and all activities can be stopped from the premises until the decided fine is paid by the owners.”