Mohali: The long-pending plan to straighten the accident-prone S-curve on PR-7 (Airport Road) outside Mata Sundari Gurdwara Sahib in Sector 70 has hit another hurdle, with the Punjab govt informing the Vidhan Sabha that the alternate land earmarked for relocating the gurdwara has already been auctioned by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada).The disclosure came in response to a starred question raised by Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, who highlighted the safety concerns associated with the stretch near Mata Sundari Ji Chowk, where several accidents have been reported over the years.Replying in the house Monday, the housing and urban development department said Gmada had approved the allotment of 2.67 acres in Sector 77 in exchange for the 1.78acre land occupied by the gurdwara in Sector 70. An allotment letter was issued on Sept 30, 2011.However, the gurdwara management, headed by Balbir Singh, declined the offer and sought three acres instead. Gmada’s executive committee subsequently approved the demand and also sanctioned a 30% enhancement in the approved construction compensation amount of Rs 2.03 crore.The govt informed the assembly that notices were issued to the gurdwara management on March 13 and April 25 this year, asking representatives to appear before the authority. However, no one appeared and no written response was received, preventing further action.The reply also stated that a civil suit related to the matter is pending before a competent court.As no response was received from the gurdwara management, Gmada later auctioned the proposed three-acre site in Sector 77, where construction is now under way.The govt, however, said if the gurdwara management conveys its consent in future, allotment of another suitable three-acre site may be considered after obtaining the necessary approvals.The relocation issue is central to the proposed straightening of the S-curve on Airport Road, which continues to be flagged as an accident-prone stretch. The project has remained on hold as the relocation of the gurdwara has not materialised.Gmada chief administrator Vishesh Sarangal refused to comment, saying the matter is sub judice.
