4 min readChandigarhDec 9, 2025 07:31 PM IST
First published on: Dec 9, 2025 at 07:29 PM IST
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sanjiv Berry of the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday pulled up the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) and other state agencies over multiple civic deficiencies in Eco City, a residential enclave in New Chandigarh, Mohali.
Chief Justice Sheel Nagu directed the Chief Administrator of GMADA, the Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), and the Mohali Deputy Commissioner to file affidavits addressing the civic gaps within four weeks.
The bench was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) raising concerns over gaps in basic amenities, including the township’s sewage treatment plant (STP) capacity, lack of a garbage disposal system, overhead power lines, non-operational community facilities, and the emergence of a slum cluster along the riverbed near Mullanpur.
At the outset, the bench sought clarity on the status of replies and compliance reports after counsel pointed out that a civil miscellaneous application, highlighting unresolved deficiencies, had been pending since December 4, 2024. Despite multiple status reports, several respondents had not filed substantive replies.
Sewage treatment plant, a key issue
A key issue before the court pertained to the sewage treatment plant. The petitioners submitted that while GMADA’s 2012 tender envisaged an 8 MLD (million litres per day) STP, only a 4 MLD facility had become operational in October 2024, even though the township was now substantially occupied. The earlier portable unit, he argued, could no longer handle the population load, resulting in repeated sewer choke-ups.
“They tendered for 8 MLD in 2012. We are now in 2025, and only 4 MLD is operational,” the petitioners’ counsel told the bench, adding that no clear timeline had been given for the remaining capacity.
Observing that sewage infrastructure should precede habitation, Chief Justice Nagu remarked, “An STP is one of the most important requirements. You have to have a permanent STP before occupation, and not after.”
GMADA’s counsel maintained that the full-fledged facility was operational and adequate for current demand. The bench, however, directed the PPCB to independently assess the sufficiency and functioning of the plant and file a detailed affidavit.
Several overhead power lines
The residents also complained that several overhead power lines still ran through the township despite plans for underground systems, with tree branches touching live wires. GMADA claimed its own lines were underground, attributing overhead connections to the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd (PSPCL’s) temporary arrangements. The bench directed PSPCL, through the district administration, to clarify the steps being taken to address the hazard.
Expanding slum colony
The petitioners alleged that a slum colony had sprung up along the Mullanpur riverbed opposite Eco City 1 and was expanding daily, even as authorities failed to act. The Mohali Deputy Commissioner, impleaded in the matter, had yet to file a reply.
Garbage collection and disposal were described as “completely absent,” with waste allegedly dumped near the Air Force Station boundary wall and other corners of the township. While GMADA claimed that land had been earmarked for a dumping site in Mullanpur, residents said no functional facility had been created.
Residents also drew attention to the non-operational cremation ground, which they said forced families to travel to Chandigarh or Mohali during bereavements. They pointed out that the promised sports complex, community club, and bus stops were yet to be developed.
At the outset, the bench sought clarity on the status of replies and compliance reports after counsel pointed out that a civil miscellaneous application, highlighting unresolved deficiencies, had been pending since December 4, 2024. 
Share
