Heated debate in MC over development of GMADA areas, mayor seeks Rs 1,000 crore

Taking a firm stand, Mayor Amarjit Sidhu said, “The Corporation should receive at least Rs 1,000 crore from GMADA. Without adequate funds, proper development of these sectors and other areas that have been taken under the municipal corporation is simply not possible.”

The mayor directed officials to convene a high-level meeting with GMADA at the earliest to strongly press the funding demand. He made it clear that either GMADA must provide funds for development, or the option of excluding such areas from the Municipal Corporation limits should be considered.

“Keeping areas within the Corporation with incomplete development is an injustice to the public,” he said.

Mayor–deputy mayor spar

Tempers flared when the mayor accused the deputy mayor of “serious misconduct”, stating that “copies of House-passed resolutions were being taken and used publicly to claim credit. Stealing House documents to take public credit is against the dignity of this House.”

The mayor warned that such practices would not be tolerated.

The mayor also accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of favouritism, alleging that tenders and work orders were being issued only in societies linked to AAP councillors. “The Corporation’s duty is to ensure fair development of all areas, not just select societies,” he said, triggering prolonged uproar in the House.

The Corporation decided to frame a clear policy for the installation of planters and railings outside houses in GMADA’s new sectors. GMADA will be formally approached to define permissible limits to prevent encroachment on public land.

The mayor sought clarity from the Municipal Commissioner on whether the responsibility for the anti-encroachment drive lies with GMADA or the Corporation. Councillors demanded that the campaign be conducted in a fair, transparent and rule-based manner.

It was categorically stated that action must be taken against influential encroachers as well, without pressure or discrimination, to maintain the credibility of the drive.

Four proposals passed in 15 minutes

The House discussed six proposals, of which four were unanimously passed within just 15 minutes. The primary agenda remained the development and funding of GMADA-transferred sectors.

Councillors raised issues

Matour village councillor Gurpreet Kaur raised the issue of illegal occupation of Corporation land, stating buffaloes have been tied on civic land for the past four years without any action. “Every year we are assured, but even after four years, no action has been taken,” she said.

Councillor Harjeet Bholu highlighted the persistent garbage heaps on the B-road in Sector 79, alleging that despite repeated complaints, no permanent solution has been implemented. “Only the spots meant for photographs are cleaned; the surrounding garbage remains untouched,” he alleged.