Mohali: Hundreds of farmers and landowners from Kurali and adjoining villages have opposed the draft master plan prepared by Gmada, demanding immediate amendments to what they term “arbitrary” zoning proposals that classify large tracts of land as agricultural and green zones.The protesters claimed the proposed land-use pattern would severely restrict the development and sale of their ancestral land, affecting thousands of families who rely on these properties as long-term financial assets for education, marriages, healthcare and other emergencies.Raising slogans against the draft plan, landowners urged the Punjab govt and Gmada to revisit the zoning proposals before finalising the Master Plan.Lucky, a social worker from Bazidpur village in Majri block, said generations of families had preserved their land not only for cultivation but also as a valuable asset for future needs.“Our forefathers retained these lands so future generations could use them when required. If the land remains permanently under green and agricultural zones, owners will lose the flexibility to develop or sell it according to their needs. This plan will confine us to farming and diminish the value of our property,” he said.Town planners and landowners have also questioned several provisions in the draft, alleging zoning inconsistencies and inadequate stakeholder consultation.One major objection relates to land along NH-21 (Chandigarh-Manali highway). According to residents, several stretches that already have approved residential colonies, commercial establishments and urban development have nevertheless been marked as agricultural zones, creating uncertainty over future growth.Planning experts have also criticised the absence of mixed land-use provisions along the Kharar-Kurali highway and the Kurali bypass, arguing that these corridors possess significant commercial potential and should be earmarked for planned urban expansion rather than retained exclusively for agricultural use.Residents further expressed concerns over changing jurisdictional boundaries and the possibility of future land pooling without detailed surveys or adequate public consultation.Under the draft master plan, much of the land between the Kharar-Kurali Road and the Bharatmala Road corridor, including areas in Ghataur, Shahpur, Sahauran, Padiala and Naggal villages, has been retained under agricultural and green zones, where commercial and industrial development would not be permitted.The draft plan covers nearly 57,000 hectares, including Kurali town and 78 surrounding villages. While the region has historically remained agrarian, residents argue that rapid urbanisation, expanding road networks and increasing commercial activity warrant a revised land-use policy.The proposed planning area is bounded by major infrastructure corridors, including PR-7, PR-4, the Kurali-Baddi Road and the Bharatmala Expressway. Landowners contend that these connectivity projects should be leveraged to promote balanced urban growth rather than impose blanket development restrictions.The protesters have demanded fresh consultations with village representatives, planning experts and other stakeholders before the Master Plan is finalised, and have called for revisions that reflect the region’s evolving development needs.
