After recurrent delays, GMDA to function from April 18

Announced on September 5 last year by Chief Minister ML Khattar, the Centralised Body of Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) was expected to be formally operational from November 1, 2016.

Yet, various hurdles continue to delay the formation of GMDA. With the Haryana cabinet ministry expected to meet on April 18 on the issue of GMDA, it is expected that GMDA formation will finally see the light of the day.

Speaking to Millennium Post, Rao Narbir Singh, the Cabinet minister in Haryana Government confirmed that there will be a meeting by Haryana Cabinet ministry in Chandigarh where the bill of GMDA will be passed.

The once formed centralised body is expected to be responsible for key infrastructural developments in the city like development and maintenance of land records, road networks, drainage systems and horticultural projects.

It will also be accountable for the collection of External Development Charge (EDC) builders and utilise it for the civil maintenance projects in the city.

Sources said that the Chief Minister will be supervising affairs of the proposed body.

Various challenges and dissent over the formation of the body have prevented the formation of the body in the past.

GMDA seems to face a major challenge from the workers from Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) whose certain functions is expected to be taken over by GMDA. There have been frequent strikes by the worker in HUDA resisting the formation of the body.

Major differences have also been expressed over the key ministers and bureaucrats handling the affairs of the body from Chandigarh than from Gurugram.

"The multiple civic agencies in Gurugram have stalled the infrastructural works in the city. The formation of GMDA will be an important step in the improvement of infrastructure in the city. After many hurdles it is going to be a relief for the citizens of the city that GMDA will finally be formed," said R S Rathee President Gurugram Citizens Council.