Mohali to be developed in phases under master plan

Considering their potential to spearhead IT growth,education and business tourism in the region,the Airport City,Knowledge City,Business and Hi-tech Parks have been earmarked for the first phase of development.

Besides two commercial city centres in Sectors 62 and 87,some commercial uses will also be designated in the mix-use segment along the main arterial road running through the local planning area.

The rest of the residential development,it has been proposed,will proceed as per the previous approved projects,concentrating initially on the southwestern part of Mohali,and gradually moving towards north. The phase-wise development of the new Industrial Area,meanwhile,will begin from the south-end.

On the completion of work in the first phase,a sufficient local population and workforce is expected to be accommodated.

Foreseeing that the development of new housing colonies may face obsolescence if nothing is done to renew them,the town planners have suggested the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to approach the city’s development with a well-thought out town planning,coordinated development,and proper management of the urban renewal strategy.

The recommendations marked to GMADA for the urban renewal programme include: eradication of slums,re-planning of older housing colonies/estates,re-development of rental flats/houses and upgrading of precincts,among others.

PRINCIPLES OF PHASING
* Allow growth to take place incrementally over time
* Recognise that growth takes place by small increments,as and when resources are available
* Provide a degree of choice of site layout at each stage of growth
* Encourage variety and plurality in investment and participation in township development from both,the public and private aspects