As Mohali Municipal Corporation redraws map, fresh hopes & tax fears take centrestage

Master Bhupinder Singh Bhinda, a resident of Sector 86, said, “Our locality is in a poor condition, roads are broken, and developments are stalled. After inclusion under the Mohali MC, we hope for proper development.”

Harshdeep Singh Sra from the J Block of Aerocity said the inclusion was a positive step because it would finally give locals a voice. “Earlier, under the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), our grievances often went unheard, but now an elected councillor will represent us. However, the property tax should only be imposed after elected representatives assume office.”

Ashok Kumar Garg, a resident of D Block, IT City, echoed similar sentiments. “The inclusion of our area will ensure citizen participation in development planning. We expect faster redressal of issues such as broken roads and poor maintenance once we are under the MC.”

However, several residents voiced concerns that being brought under the Mohali MC’s jurisdiction could also mean new property taxes and service charges. They said taxes should only be imposed after the MC started delivering visible civic services and amenities.

Locals also highlighted issues such as damaged underground electricity cables, which are supported precariously by bamboo poles, posing a safety hazard. Others complained about high salinity levels in the groundwater, forcing many to install costly water purifiers. They now hope the civic body will provide a canal water supply.

Social activist Jatinder Anand said, “Though these sectors have been brought under the MC jurisdiction, actual takeover from the GMADA has not yet happened. It will be better if the corporation assumes control only after these areas are fully developed.”

Some residents of the old city, however, fear the expansion can stretch the MC’s already limited resources. They pointed out that the MC had been struggling to maintain roads and sanitation, and with the inclusion of new areas, the situation might worsen.

Ram Kumar, who had moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court on the demarcation issue, said, “A new notification has replaced the older one, which is legally unfair. The TDI area, developed much before Aerocity and IT City, has been left out without justification. We are seeking legal advice and will approach the court again.”

All eyes are now on the government and the Municipal Corporation to see how and when these new areas are officially brought under its fold, turning expectations into reality.