Notice regarding LAND Acquisition of Mastgarh and Toga Tehsil Majri, New Chandigarh

Overview of the Notice

The Land Acquisition Collector, Department of 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 in New Chandigarh. The proposed acquisition relates to a: 30-metre (100-foot) wide road touching PR-4 to HR-4 towards the Chandigarh side with an approximate length of: 2 kilometres The road acquisition affects land in:

• Village Mastgarh
• Village Toga

in the Majri area of New Chandigarh.

What Is the Proposed Road?

The official notice describes the project as: “30 Mtr (100 feet) wide road touching PR4 to HR-4 towards Chandigarh side (Approx. 2 KM)” The source also includes wording referring to: “to complete the 17 Sector of Chandigarh” Because that phrase is not fully clear in the scanned text, it should be reproduced cautiously and verified from the original document before being used as a project description on gmada.in.

Why Has This Notice Been Issued?

A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) was carried out for the proposed acquisition of land in Mastgarh and Toga. The Punjab Government then constituted an Expert Group under Section 7 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 to examine the SIA report. The present notice discloses the Expert Group's findings and recommendations to the affected villages and families.

What Did the Expert Group Find?

According to the notice, the Expert Group concluded that:

• the proposed acquisition serves a public purpose
• the expected benefits of the project are greater than the social costs and adverse social impacts
• 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 road project, the Expert Group recommended that: the proposed land acquisition should proceed further. This recommendation allows the acquisition proposal to move to the next statutory stage, subject to the required government consideration.

What Is Section 7 of the RFCTLARR Act?

Section 7 provides for review of the Social Impact Assessment by an Expert Group. The Expert Group examines whether:

• the project serves a genuine public purpose
• the likely benefits justify the social impact
• the land proposed for acquisition is necessary
• the extent of acquisition is the minimum required
• the proposal should continue to the next stage

A favourable Section 7 recommendation does not itself complete the land acquisition.

Does This Mean the Land Has Been Acquired?

No. This notice does not mean that:

• final acquisition approval has been granted
• a Section 19 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 proposal continues, the competent authority may next examine the SIA report and Expert Group recommendations under Section 8 of the RFCTLARR Act. The acquisition process may subsequently move through stages such as: Section 8 consideration → Section 11 preliminary notification → objections → Rehabilitation & Resettlement 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 directs that the Expert Group's recommendations be disclosed to affected families and residents of Mastgarh and Toga. Copies are to be displayed at prominent public locations including:

• Gurdwara Sahib
• temple
• mosque
• Janj Ghar
• other village notice boards or commonly used public places

Which Authorities Received the Notice?

Copies were also forwarded to:

• Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kharar
• concerned Tehsildars of Kharar and Majri
• Sarpanches of Mastgarh and Toga
• GMADA IT authorities for uploading the notice on the official website
• Housing-1 Branch, Department of Housing and Urban Development

What Should Affected Landowners Check?

Landowners in Mastgarh and Toga should verify:

• their Khasra numbers
• whether their land falls within the proposed road alignment
• exact area proposed for acquisition
• ownership/share in the revenue records
• the Social Impact Assessment report
• the Section 7 Expert Group report
• any subsequent Section 8 decision
• later Section 11 or other acquisition notifications

The fact that a village is named in the notice does not mean that every land parcel in that village is proposed for acquisition.

Geography of Mastgarh and Toga

Mastgarh and Toga are situated within Tehsil Majri, a division of New Chandigarh. This area in northwestern Punjab is significant due to its connection to major urban centers like Chandigarh. New Chandigarh aims to alleviate population density issues in original Chandigarh, evolving into a modern urban hub with essential infrastructure, including roads and schools.

The geographical layout of Mastgarh and Toga indicates a shift from agricultural land use to urban living, crucial for GMADA's urban planning strategy. Developing these villages into urban sectors enhances access to transportation networks and essential services. Their proximity to New Chandigarh positions them strategically for potential economic activities.

This transition reflects GMADA's commitment to developing infrastructure that supports residential and commercial growth, making Mastgarh and Toga key elements of Greater Mohali's urbanization plans.

History and Development Context

Land acquisition in Mastgarh and Toga demonstrates a trend of integrating surrounding villages into the urban structure of Greater Mohali. Over the years, GMADA has launched projects to manage the region's rapid urbanization, showcasing a systematic approach with multiple notices on land acquisitions in nearby villages. Recent notices highlight GMADA's proactive stance on sustainable housing and infrastructure development, following a series of acquisitions responding to increased migration and residential demand in the region.

The progression from proposals to acquisitions illustrates GMADA's planning strategy to align urban expansion with local needs and environmental considerations. By strategically acquiring land, GMADA facilitates infrastructural growth and addresses the evolving demographic demands.

Significance of the Acquisition

The land acquisition in Mastgarh and Toga is vital to GMADA's strategic vision for enhancing infrastructure and housing in New Chandigarh. By securing these lands, GMADA enables essential housing projects and commercial opportunities for a growing population, improving public services such as transportation and utilities.

This acquisition strengthens New Chandigarh's links to economic hubs, promoting economic activities and sustainable growth. It aligns with GMADA's objectives of transforming New Chandigarh into a competitive urban center that attracts residents and businesses. The initiative underscores GMADA's commitment to addressing housing shortages and enhancing living standards for those relocating from densely populated areas.

Practical Details

• Notice Date: September 14, 2026

For further details about this notice, residents are encouraged to consult official updates.