Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
Mohali: Residents condemn exclusion of Balongi from Municipal limits, call it ‘injustice to common people’
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), October 30, 2025: The issue of expanding Mohali Municipal Corporation limits continues to spark discontent, as residents of six adjoining villages — left out of the proposed boundary — intensify their protests.
On Thursday, residents of Balongi village held a press conference strongly condemning the Punjab Government’s decision to exclude their area from the Municipal Corporation limits. They termed it a grave injustice to the common man under the Aam Aadmi Party government.
Addressing the media, Balwinder Singh Sagar, retired Chief General Manager of Punjab & Sind Bank, and Naresh Kumar Neshi, a social worker, said that despite being in power, the AAP government is neglecting ordinary citizens. “Balongi is home to lower-middle-class and working-class families. Excluding it from the corporation’s jurisdiction is unfair,” they said.
They pointed out that Balongi has over 5,000 houses, 1,300 shops, hotels, and commercial establishments, along with a high school, veterinary clinic, nursing college, and several private schools — all indicators of a well-developed area.
Responding to the government’s claim that tax-related issues are the reason for exclusion, the residents clarified that 60% of Balongi’s population lives in houses under 125 square yards, which are tax-exempt. Many are widows and ex-servicemen. The remaining residents, who own larger properties, are capable of paying modest property taxes, they added.
They further stated that 65 to 70 acres of valuable land in Balongi could be utilized by the government for EWS (Economically Weaker Section) housing projects, but that would only be possible if Balongi is brought under the municipal jurisdiction.
The residents urged the Punjab Government to reconsider its decision and include Balongi within Mohali’s municipal boundaries to ensure access to civic amenities.
Naresh Kumar Neshi warned that if their demand is ignored, the residents will launch an agitation — from legal action to public protests — until justice is served.