Opposing inclusion in Mohali MC limits, 14 panchayats warn of protest on Dec 10

Opposing the Punjab government’s decision to expand the boundaries of the Municipal Corporation (MC), 14 village panchayats held a joint press

conference in Mauli Baidwan today. The representatives said the government has taken a “dictatorial decision” by including villages in the MC without seeking the consent of the panchayats.

They warned that all panchayats will unite and block Airport Road on December 10 if the notification is not withdrawn. They added that the panchayats were also prepared to approach the court if needed.

Gursewak Singh of Mauli Baidwan, Gaurav Sharma of Sambhalki, Gurjinder Singh of Ballomajra, Sandeep Singh of Nanumajra, Satnam Singh of Balongi, Jass Hundal of Chappar Chiri Kalan, Amrik Singh of Chilla, Kirandeep Kaur of Rurka, Harjit Kaur of Chappar Chiri Khurd, Jaspreet Singh of Landran, Ajit Sandhu of Kambala, Kuldeep Kaur of Lakhnaur and Palwinder Singh of Nanomajra and panchayat representatives alleged that inclusion in the civic body limits will put unnecessary tax burden on villagers and completely disturb the rural administrative structure.

Sarpanches said the government was trying to take away village land and rights in the name of development. Villagers fear that once brought under the MC, the first impact will be hefty house tax and water-sewerage charges, which until now were free or very minimal under panchayat management.

They cited the example of Mataur, which was included in the civic body limits 30 years ago but still suffers from poor sanitation, overflowing sewer lines and a lack of stormwater management. They said the same fate awaits other villages.

Many village residents depend on dairy farming for their livelihood, but once the area comes under MC limits, keeping cattle becomes restricted, pushing families towards unemployment. Even after seven decades of Independence, many houses in villages are semi-constructed, and panchayat grants help people build homes—but this support will no longer be available under the civic body.

The panchayat members said they have met MLA Kulwant Singh, who assured them that a solution would be found within two days.