The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority has intensified its efforts to reclaim valuable land in Phase 1. GMADA sent another formal letter to the Mohali Deputy Commissioner on January 15, 2026. This communication demands immediate eviction of Sector 55 land allegedly occupied without authorization.
Unauthorized Occupation of Prime Land
GMADA asserts clear ownership of the Phase 1 property. The authority states it never granted permission for any gaushala or gau hospital operation at this site. The land holds significant value, estimated in crores of rupees.
Gau Grass Sewa Samiti currently occupies the premises. GMADA's latest letter emphasizes the illegal nature of this occupation. It requests the Deputy Commissioner to initiate eviction proceedings without further delay.
Animal Welfare Considerations
The authority's letter includes specific instructions about animal care. GMADA directs the Animal Husbandry Department to make proper arrangements for cows present during eviction. This precaution aims to prevent any unfortunate incidents involving the animals.
RTI Revelation and Tragic Background
An RTI application filed on November 26, 2024, sought information about this land dispute. Authorities failed to respond within the mandated timeframe. An appeal followed on January 20, 2025, resulting in an order for information disclosure on February 4, 2025.
GMADA still did not provide the requested information. Meanwhile, a tragic accident occurred at the site nearly six months later. A woman visiting from abroad died instantly while feeding cows. She became trapped in machinery at the unauthorized gaushala.
This incident prompted immediate action. On August 18, 2025, GMADA finally responded to the 2024 RTI query. The authority confirmed that Gau Grass Sewa Samiti lacked both permission for hospital operations and legitimate land rights.
Failed Eviction Attempts
GMADA attempted to remove the encroachment twice without success. The first effort occurred on August 18, 2025, immediately following the RTI response. A second attempt on November 12, 2025, also failed to dislodge the occupants.
The authority then sought police assistance. On October 28, 2025, GMADA wrote to the Deputy Commissioner requesting adequate police force for eviction. Despite these measures, the land remains occupied today.
Legal Perspective and Ongoing Efforts
Advocate Jasbir Singh filed the original RTI application. He highlights renewed efforts by GMADA and Municipal Corporation. Both agencies plan to launch another drive against illegal encroachments on their Mohali lands starting Monday.
"The administration faces a critical test," Singh observes. "We must see if they can finally remove this unauthorized occupation from crore-valued Phase 1 land."
The situation unfolds against broader discussions about cow protection facilities. Recent cow deaths in Chandigarh gaushalas have sparked statewide debate. This Mohali case adds another dimension to ongoing conversations about regulation and land use.
