The scale of unauthorised construction on de-listed forest land in Mohali appears larger than earlier estimated. The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has informed the Punjab and Haryana High Court that 193 illegal structures have been identified across 15 villages in SAS Nagar district.
The fresh status report was submitted by Chief Administrator Sakshi Sawhney after the High Court earlier pulled up GMADA for incomplete and inconsistent data regarding encroachments, particularly in Siswan village. The court had expressed dissatisfaction over the mismatch between the Forest Department’s findings and GMADA’s earlier report.
Initially, the Forest Department had flagged 182 violations. However, GMADA’s updated survey has now increased the number to 193 unauthorised constructions on de-listed forest land. The authority clarified in its affidavit that a comprehensive survey is underway and will continue until March 31, 2026. Further legal action will follow based on the findings.
In the past six months, GMADA has intensified its enforcement drive. Officials informed the court that 29 demolition operations have been carried out across SAS Nagar district, resulting in the removal of nearly 300 illegal structures. Two illegal constructions have already been demolished in the latest round of action. Another demolition, which was delayed due to a shortage of police personnel, has now been rescheduled for February 20.
Demolition orders have been issued in 11 cases. In 13 other instances, complaints have been forwarded to the police for registration of FIRs. Authorities stated that action is being taken as per planning regulations and administrative jurisdiction.
The affidavit also clarified that enforcement procedures vary depending on the planning framework applicable to the villages. Three villages — Parol, Sultanpur and Majra — fall under the New Chandigarh Master Plan. In these areas, the Additional Chief Administrator is empowered to directly authorise demolitions of unauthorised structures.
The remaining 12 villages fall under the Regional Plan. In such cases, violations are dealt with through legal proceedings. Complaints are forwarded to the Senior Superintendent of Police for FIR registration instead of immediate demolition.
The issue gained prominence after the High Court observed discrepancies in reports related to Siswan village and directed GMADA to submit complete and accurate details of all defaulters in SAS Nagar. The revised figure of 193 violations reflects the outcome of the fresh survey exercise conducted by the authority.
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With the survey set to continue until March 2026, the High Court is expected to monitor compliance closely. The case highlights growing concerns over unauthorised construction in environmentally sensitive zones of Mohali, even as urban development continues to expand rapidly across the region.