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Mohali’s Eco City residents flag civic gaps, High Court seeks affidavits from GMADA, Punjab Pollution Control Board

Punjab and Haryana High Court questions delay in key amenities -- ranging from full-capacity STP to underground power lines to garbage disposal to sports complex, and cremation ground.

4 min readChandigarhUpdated: Dec 9, 2025 07:31 PM IST

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.

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.

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.”

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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.

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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.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

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