Haryana’s ‘Smart Gali’ Initiative to Transform 111 Villages

The Haryana government has announced a significant initiative aimed at improving rural infrastructure, with the development of ‘Smart Gali’ in 111 villages across the state. This plan, articulated by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, envisions clean and well-organised streets in villages, mirroring urban designs. Haryana Development and Panchayat Minister Krishan Lal Panwar revealed this initiative during the ongoing budget session of the Vidhan Sabha.

The identified villages each have more than 10,000 voters, indicating a focus on areas with substantial populations. Among these, Badli village in the Badli Assembly constituency is set to receive particular attention, with an allocation of ₹1,19,39,000 earmarked for its development. This announcement came in response to questions raised by Congress MLA Kuldeep Vats during the session.

Guidelines for Pond Construction and Ownership Rights

In addition to the ‘Smart Gali’ initiative, Minister Panwar addressed concerns regarding the construction of houses near ponds. Responding to a query from Congress MLA Shishpal Keharwala, he affirmed that the management of ponds in Haryana would adhere to the guidelines established by the Supreme Court of India. He noted that some individuals have built homes along the perimeters of certain ponds, which raised legal questions.

Panwar referenced a Bill introduced in the previous legislative session, which prohibits the construction of houses on agricultural land managed by gram panchayats or on village phirni. Despite this, he mentioned that ownership rights up to 500 square yards would be granted for homes already built on gram panchayat land.

To address the existing situation, Panwar stated that Deputy Commissioners have been tasked with overseeing the examination of these properties. They will organise special camps to gather information and forward relevant cases to the headquarters. If homes were constructed before 2004, the evidence will be formally documented. The responsibility for these camps has been assigned to the Chief Executive Officer of the Zila Parishad and the Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDO).

This dual initiative not only aims to modernise rural living conditions but also seeks to clarify and enforce regulations regarding land use in Haryana. By focusing on both infrastructure and legal adherence, the state government is taking steps toward comprehensive rural development.