193 illegal constructions identified in de-listed forest land in Mohali, GMADA informs HC

The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) today submitted a new status report to the Punjab and Haryana High Court, revealing 193 illegal structures in de-listed forest land across 15 villages. The report, filed by Chief Administrator Sakshi Sawhney, follows the court's previous admonishment of GMADA for its incomplete data on unauthorised constructions in SAS Nagar district, including Siswan village.

Earlier, the Forest Department had flagged 182 violations, but GMADA’s updated survey found 193 violations. The survey of all unauthorised constructions within GMADA’s jurisdiction will continue until March 31, 2026, with further legal action planned.

In the past six months, GMADA has conducted 29 demolition drives in the district, removing about 300 illegal structures. The court had previously noted inconsistencies between the Forest Department’s and GMADA's reports, prompting a directive for GMADA to submit comprehensive data on all defaulters in SAS Nagar.

In the fresh affidavit, GMADA clarified that three of the 15 villages — Parol, Sultanpur, and Majra — are under the New Chandigarh Master Plan, where the Additional Chief Administrator can authorise demolitions. For the other 12 villages, violations of the Regional Plan lead to complaints forwarded to the Senior Superintendent of Police for FIR registration rather than direct demolitions.

The affidavit also mentioned that two illegal structures had already been demolished, and the demolition of another was delayed due to a lack of police personnel, rescheduled for February 20. In 13 other cases, complaints have been sent to the police for FIR registration, while 11 cases have seen demolition orders issued.