GMADA Public Notice
Notice regarding LAND Acquisition of Mullanpur Garibdass,Mastgadh and Toga Tehsil Majri , New Chandigarh
Overview of the Notice
The Land Acquisition Collector, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Punjab has issued a notice disclosing the recommendations of the Expert Group constituted under Section 7 of the RFCTLARR Act, 2013 for proposed land acquisition connected with the: 60-metre (200-foot) wide VR-1 Road in New Chandigarh The proposed road acquisition affects land in the following villages:
- Mullanpur Garibdas
- Mastgarh
- Dhanauta — spelling should be checked against the original official record
- Toga
The notice relates to land proposed to be acquired for construction/development of the VR-1 road under the New Chandigarh planning area.
What Is the Purpose of the Notice?
A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) had earlier been carried out for the proposed acquisition. Under Section 7 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, an Expert Group was constituted by the Punjab Government to examine the SIA report and determine whether the proposed acquisition should proceed. The present notice discloses the Expert Group's conclusions to the affected villages and families.
What Did the Expert Group Find?
According to the notice, the Expert Group recorded three important findings. First, the proposed acquisition serves a: public purpose because the land is required for development of the proposed VR-1 road. Second, the Expert Group concluded that the: expected benefits of the project outweigh the social costs and adverse social impacts associated with the acquisition. Third, it concluded that the: land proposed to be acquired is the minimum land required for the project.
What Did the Expert Group Recommend?
After examining the Social Impact Assessment and the proposed project, the Expert Group recommended that: the proposed land acquisition for the VR-1 Road should proceed. This recommendation forms part of the statutory SIA process.
What Is Section 7 of the RFCTLARR Act?
Section 7 provides for examination of the Social Impact Assessment report by an independent Expert Group. The group considers issues such as:
- whether the project genuinely serves a public purpose
- whether the social benefits justify the social costs
- whether the proposed acquisition area is necessary
- whether the extent of land being acquired is the minimum required
- whether the project should proceed to the next stage
A favourable Section 7 recommendation supports continuation of the acquisition process, but it is not itself the final acquisition decision.
Does This Mean the Land Has Been Finally Acquired?
No. This notice does not mean that:
- a final acquisition declaration has been issued
- compensation has been determined
- an award has been announced
- compensation has been paid
- possession has been taken
- road construction has started
It confirms only that the Section 7 Expert Group has recommended proceeding with the proposed acquisition.
What Happens After Section 7?
If the process continues, the government/competent authority may next consider the SIA report and Expert Group recommendations under Section 8 of the RFCTLARR Act. Depending on the decision, subsequent stages may include: Section 8 consideration → Section 11 preliminary notification → objections → R&R proceedings → Section 19 declaration → claims → award → compensation → possession Each stage requires separate statutory action.
Why Is the Notice Being Shared in the Villages?
The notice specifically directs that the Expert Group recommendations be disclosed to the affected villages and families. Copies are to be displayed at prominent public places such as:
- Gurdwara Sahib
- temple
- mosque
- Janj Ghar
- other village notice boards/public locations
This is intended to make the Section 7 findings accessible to persons affected by the proposed acquisition.
Which Authorities Were Sent the Notice?
The communication was also forwarded to authorities including:
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate
- concerned Tehsildar/Majri authorities
- Sarpanches of the affected villages
- GMADA IT authorities for website publication
- Housing-1 Branch of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
What Should Affected Landowners Check?
Landowners in the affected villages should verify:
- their Khasra numbers
- whether their land falls within the proposed VR-1 road alignment
- exact area proposed for acquisition
- ownership/share in revenue records
- the SIA report
- the Expert Group report
- the subsequent Section 8 decision
- any later Section 11 or other acquisition notification
A village being named in the notice does not mean that every land parcel in that village is proposed for acquisition.
Geography of the Area
Mullanpur Garibdass, Mastgadh, and Toga are located in Tehsil Majri, situated in New Chandigarh. New Chandigarh is strategically positioned adjacent to Chandigarh, forming a vital part of GMADA’s urban planning initiatives. This area has been earmarked for development due to its potential to support a well-planned residential and commercial ecosystem. Significant roads and utilities are being developed to enhance connectivity, improving accessibility for residents and businesses alike.
History and Development
The transformation of Mullanpur Garibdass, Mastgadh, and Toga from agricultural land to residential and commercial hubs is crucial in GMADA's urban development strategy. Over the years, these villages have experienced increasing urbanization, mirroring the growing demand for housing and commercial infrastructure. Previous notices related to land acquisition highlight GMADA’s ongoing efforts to integrate these villages into the larger New Chandigarh framework, supporting a comprehensive urbanization approach. This acquisition will lay the groundwork for improvements in infrastructure, including enhanced road networks, public spaces, and essential utility services.
Significance of the Acquisition
The land acquisition in Mullanpur Garibdass, Mastgadh, and Toga marks a crucial step towards achieving GMADA’s urban development goals. By incorporating these areas into development plans, GMADA aims to create a mix of housing and commercial spaces that improve livability and enhance the overall appeal of New Chandigarh. This acquisition is anticipated to reduce congestion, improve connectivity, and provide better access to essential services for both current residents and newcomers. It aligns with GMADA's vision of fostering sustainable urban growth and carefully planned development.
Practical Details
- Notice Date: September 15, 2026
- Authority to Contact: GMADA
For further details about this notice, residents are encouraged to consult official updates.