GMADA Public Notice
Notice regarding LAND Acquisition of Ratwada,Salamatpur,Mastgarh,Paintpoor,Milk,Dhanoda 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 required for the: 60-metre (200-foot) wide HR-4 Road in New Chandigarh The proposed acquisition concerns land in the following villages:
- Ratwara
- Salamatpur
- Mastgarh
- Paintpur
- Milkh
- Dhanaura / Dhanera – the village spelling varies within the supplied OCR and should be verified from the original notice before publication.
What Is the Purpose of the Notice?
A Social Impact Assessment (SIA) had already been carried out for the proposed acquisition. 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 evaluate 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 area 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 acquisition for the HR-4 Road should proceed further. This recommendation is part of the statutory land-acquisition process.
What Is Section 7 of the RFCTLARR Act?
Section 7 provides for review of the Social Impact Assessment by an independent Expert Group. The group considers questions such as:
- whether the project serves a genuine public purpose
- whether the expected benefits outweigh the social impact
- whether the extent of land proposed for acquisition is necessary
- whether the acquisition should proceed to the next stage
A favourable Section 7 recommendation supports continuation of the acquisition process, but it does not itself acquire the land.
Does This Mean the Land Has Been Finally Acquired?
No. This notice does not establish that:
- a final acquisition declaration has been issued
- compensation has been calculated
- an award has been announced
- compensation has been paid
- possession has been taken
- construction of the HR-4 Road has begun
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 government or competent authority may next consider the SIA report and the Expert Group's recommendations under Section 8 of the RFCTLARR Act. The process may later 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 communicated to affected families and villages. Copies are to be displayed at prominent public locations such as:
- Gurdwara Sahib
- temple
- mosque
- Janj Ghar
- village notice boards or other commonly used public places
This is intended to make the Section 7 findings accessible to people potentially affected by the acquisition.
Which Authorities Were Sent the Notice?
Copies of the communication were also forwarded to:
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Kharar
- concerned Tehsildars of Kharar and Majri
- Sarpanches of the affected villages
- GMADA IT authorities for website publication
- Housing-1 Branch, 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 HR-4 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 parcel of land in that village is proposed for acquisition.
Geography of the Area
Ratwada, Salamatpur, Mastgarh, Paintpoor, Milk, and Dhanoda are situated in Tehsil Majri within the New Chandigarh region. This area is included in GMADA's development zone, which aims to expand urban infrastructure and connectivity. New Chandigarh is viewed as an extension of Chandigarh, designed to alleviate congestion while creating a planned urban environment.
The region's strategic location enhances its significance as an integral part of the Greater Mohali area. The improving network of roads and public transport facilitates access, making it easier for residents to commute to nearby Chandigarh and Mohali. These developments support both residential and commercial growth, positioning the villages as vital components of future urban expansion in this area.
History and Development Context
The land acquisition in Ratwada, Salamatpur, Mastgarh, Paintpoor, and Milk reflects GMADA’s strategy to transform these areas into urban sectors, continuing a trend of several acquisition notices issued throughout September 2026. This initiative aims to establish residential zones while creating commercial and recreational spaces as part of a broader GMADA master plan.
The transformation is characterized by a systematic approach to land acquisition and infrastructure development. Previous notices have outlined a step-by-step timeline for acquisitions, reinforcing GMADA's commitment to urban development. These notices indicate ongoing activities and plans surrounding these villages, underlining GMADA's focus on creating a well-structured environment for housing and commerce.
Significance of the Acquisition
This land acquisition is important for GMADA's larger development initiatives in New Chandigarh, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and urban living conditions. It highlights the authority's commitment to planned urban expansion, which is crucial for accommodating the region's growing population.
This specific acquisition could serve as a catalyst for future development projects supporting residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities in the area. By targeting these specific villages, GMADA demonstrates a strategic focus on regions poised for infrastructural investment. The ongoing development in this area is anticipated to attract more residents and businesses, thereby fueling economic growth in Greater Mohali.
Practical Details
- Notice Date: September 14, 2026
- Contact Authority: GMADA for any inquiries related to this notice.
For further details about this notice, residents are encouraged to consult official updates.