Project: Medicity
Land allotted: 42 acres

Another multi-crore project, it got mired in controversies after UT Adviser Pradip Mehra raised serious objections to the evaluation done for the land earmarked for acquisition. The Administration now says it has not yet finalised the revenue model. The matter is now with the Central Vigilance Commission.

As the Union Government barred the Chandigarh Administration from acquiring land for any further project without approval, below are some welcome reactions to the decision.

Hemant Goswami, Citizen’s Voice
Our fight against corruption by the Chandigarh Administration and land mafia has produced results. Just reversing the decision of the Administration is, however, not enough. The IAS officers and political appointees who have been instrumental in corrupt and illegal activities must be made accountable and sent to prison. An independent and unbiased investigation can take place only when Governor-Administrator S F Rodrigues and other IAS officers are immediately removed from their official position.

Angrez Singh, chairman, Pind Bachao Committee
We welcome the decision by the Central Government. It would provide the much needed relief to the farmers. The Administration had been paying the landowners a pittance for the land that was being acquired. This was being sold-off at high prices to the companies. The Administration was functioning like a property dealer. The decision would put a stop to this practice.

H S Mamik, eminent educationist
I am glad that the Central government has finally taken note of what is happening in the city. Land was being acquired in a hasty manner. We hope that the land that was acquired in the past few months is returned. While land had been acquired for the IT Park, not many companies set up offices. The decision to acquire this land should be reconsidered.

... contd.