Residents protest for delayed road construction in Mohali as more than 25 resident welfare associations (RWAs) and market associations united on Monday. They gathered from Sectors 123, 124, and 125 to demand that the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) fulfill its promise. The protesters want GMADA to build the long-awaited 200ft Dara Studio-Khanpur masterplan road that authorities approved years ago.

The demonstration took place on a sunny Monday morning. Families brought banners and raised slogans expressing their frustration. Moreover, Anandpur Sahib Member of Parliament (MP) Malvinder Singh Kang joined the protest to show his support. He represented the 200 Ft Master Plan Road Sangharsh Committee and promised immediate action on this critical issue.

Over 20,000 families have invested their life savings into homes and businesses in these sectors. They purchased properties based on promises that the 200ft master plan road would connect them to main city areas. Furthermore, builders and property dealers actively promoted this road feature while selling plots. Consequently, families believed they were making sound investment decisions for their future.

Maninder Preet Singh, president of the Sangharsh Committee, shared the community’s anger. “Houses, markets, and showrooms have come up around this proposed road,” he stated. However, the road itself remains missing despite being part of GMADA’s approved master plan. This situation has continued for many years without any progress.

The absence of this crucial road has created numerous problems for residents. First, traffic accidents occur more frequently due to poor road conditions. Then, vehicles often break down on unpaved paths. Additionally, the rainy season brings severe flooding to the area. Dust pollution has also become a major health concern for families living nearby.

Travel time has doubled for most residents because they lack proper access roads. They must take longer alternative routes to reach their destinations. Therefore, simple trips to work, school, or markets now consume much more time. This inefficiency affects productivity and quality of life significantly.

Public transport services rarely operate in these sectors. Bus and auto-rickshaw drivers avoid areas without proper roads. Consequently, residents must rely on private vehicles or walk long distances to find transportation. Elderly people and children face particular hardship due to these challenges.

Emergency services struggle to reach these busy residential areas quickly. Ambulances often get stuck on unpaved paths during medical emergencies. Similarly, fire trucks cannot access properties efficiently when fires break out. “It is not just an inconvenience – it has become a safety hazard for thousands of families,” explained Antar Singh Brar, the committee’s general secretary.

Many residents feel deceived because they trusted GMADA’s master plan documents. They expected authorities to construct the promised infrastructure after development began. Instead, years have passed with multiple follow-ups yielding no results. This broken promise has created deep resentment among property owners.

The financial burden on families has increased substantially. Property values have remained stagnant or declined due to poor connectivity. Moreover, residents spend extra money on vehicle repairs caused by bad road conditions. Business owners report losing customers who avoid visiting due to accessibility issues.

MP Malvinder Singh Kang personally visited the protest site to assess the situation firsthand. He walked through the affected areas and spoke with numerous families. Afterward, he assured residents that he would immediately push relevant authorities to begin construction. Furthermore, he promised to raise this issue in parliamentary discussions if necessary.

The MP emphasized that this road benefits more than just three sectors. It will significantly reduce traffic congestion at Gopal Sweets/KFC Chowk and Nijjar Chowk. Additionally, the road will serve as an alternate route for nearby villages including Jhungia, Jandpur, Halalpur, and Bhukri. Therefore, the project holds regional importance beyond immediate neighborhoods.

Over 25 RWAs jointly submitted a formal memorandum to GMADA officials. The document outlines all problems residents face daily. Moreover, it requests immediate commencement of road construction work. The associations emphasized that thousands of families should not continue suffering due to administrative delays.

GMADA officials have not yet provided a concrete timeline for construction. This silence frustrates residents who have waited patiently for years. Meanwhile, some families are considering legal action to force authorities to honor their commitments. Consumer courts and high courts have previously ruled in favor of homebuyers in similar infrastructure disputes.

Urban planning experts point out that proper roads form the backbone of any residential development. Without adequate connectivity, even well-planned sectors become isolated and dysfunctional. Furthermore, missing infrastructure affects property values, economic activity, and resident satisfaction significantly.

The protest highlights broader infrastructure challenges in rapidly developing Punjab cities. Many new residential sectors face similar problems across the state. Authorities often approve master plans but fail to implement them within reasonable timeframes. Consequently, homebuyers bear the consequences of poor planning and execution.

Real estate experts suggest that buyers should verify infrastructure completion before purchasing properties. They recommend visiting proposed road sites physically rather than relying solely on brochures. Additionally, checking government records and speaking with existing residents provides valuable insights about actual development progress.

The situation in Mohali reflects a growing concern about accountability in urban development. Residents question why authorities approve plans they cannot execute promptly. Moreover, they ask why developers can sell properties before completing basic infrastructure. These questions deserve serious attention from policymakers and regulators.

Local councillors have also joined the demand for immediate action. They recognize that their political future depends on delivering promised infrastructure. Therefore, several councillors have written letters to higher authorities requesting expedited approval for road construction. Some have even offered to facilitate meetings between residents and senior officials.

Environmental concerns add another dimension to this issue. The unpaved areas generate massive dust clouds that affect air quality. During summer months, residents must keep windows closed despite heat. Furthermore, rainwater stagnation creates breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. These health hazards particularly affect children and elderly people with respiratory conditions.

The economic impact extends beyond individual families. Local businesses suffer because customers avoid poorly connected areas. Shops report declining sales and difficulty attracting new clientele. Moreover, companies hesitate to establish offices or facilities in sectors lacking proper road access. This situation hampers overall economic development of the region.

Educational institutions in these sectors face enrollment challenges. Parents prefer schools with easy access and safe transportation options. Therefore, schools and colleges in these areas struggle to compete with institutions in well-connected neighborhoods. Teachers also find it difficult to commute daily, leading to staffing problems.

The protest has garnered attention on social media platforms. Residents have created online groups to coordinate their efforts and share updates. Moreover, videos and photos from the demonstration have gone viral, attracting support from people across Punjab. This digital activism helps amplify their voice and pressure authorities for action.

Community leaders are planning follow-up actions if GMADA does not respond soon. These may include larger demonstrations, hunger strikes, or road blockades. Additionally, they are exploring options to file public interest litigation in Punjab and Haryana High Court. Such legal action could compel authorities to explain delays and provide construction timelines.

In conclusion, residents protest for delayed road construction represents more than infrastructure demands – it symbolizes broken promises and community resilience. The families of Sectors 123, 124, and 125 remain determined to secure the basic amenities they were promised. Ultimately, their struggle highlights the critical need for accountability and timely execution in urban development projects across Punjab.

Daily News