CM Khattar announces formation of Gurgaon Development Authority

The official inception of GDA will be on November 1, 2016 which is another special occasion as it marks the 50th anniversary of the formation of the state of Haryana. The main responsibility of GDA will be of acquisition of land, issuing of licenses to developers and permission of change for land use.

These processes which require approval from Chandigarh have lately been criticised by prominent citizen groups of causing delay, non-transparency and corruption as the city has expanded rapidly over the years.

Speaking on the formation of GDA, CM Khattar said that its formation will result in smooth running of affairs in the city. 

A budget of Rs 500 crore has been allocated for the formation and functioning of GDA by the government. 

Member of Parliament from Gurgaon, Rao Inderjeet Singh also expressed his pleasure by tweeting that this was a long-pending demand of the citizens of Gurgaon which will now be fulfilled.

Accompanying the Chief Minister on his visit, Cabinet minister for PWD affairs and MLA from Badshahpur constituency Rao Narbir Singh told Millennium Post: “Those citizens who complained of multiple agencies being functional in Gurgaon, have now been addressed to with the formation of GDA.”

When asked that what will be the impact of GDA on the powers of other functional agencies in Gurgaon, Singh said: “GDA will act as a watchdog and will ensure accountability of these agencies.”   

Explaining the relevance of GDA, R S Rathee, president, Gurgaon Citizens Council said presently there are various agencies in Gurgaon like HUDA, MCG, PWD and the administration run by the builders.

“At a time when there is a deterioration of roads, sewage system and still a collection of high maintenance fee by the colonisers who refuse to address the issue, the coming of GDA will make a great impact.”

According to sources, GDA is expected to be headed by a bureaucrat of a post of chief secretary-level even as the citizens’ groups want it to be headed by the Chief Minister himself for greater accountability.

Various projects like starting a new bus stand, building road connectivity at the northern and southern peripheries and expansion of Badshahpur drain are struck in various hurdles presently.