Mohali, Feb. 13 -- Residents and prospective buyers will have to wait longer for the launch of the much-anticipated EcoCity-2 (Extension) scheme in Hoshiarpur village, New Chandigarh, as the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) continues to undertake development works in the area. The scheme was earlier expected to be launched in February this year. The EcoCity-2 Extension will be GMADA's eighth township project and will be spread across 96 acres. The township will offer both residential and commercial plots. According to the approved plan, 135 one-kanal and 18 two-kanal residential plots will be available at a rate of Rs.55,500 per square yard. These residential plots will be allotted through a draw of lots, while commercial sites will be sold through auction. GMADA had acquired the land for the project in 2013 under its land pooling policy and compensated landowners after taking possession. However, the project remained stalled for several years due to the absence of a mandatory social-impact assessment, delaying further development for over a decade. An official from GMADA's engineering wing said developmental works worth over Rs.50 crore are currently underway. These include construction of roads, installation of water supply lines, sewerage systems, stormwater drains, and electrical services. GMADA will introduce 300-square-yard commercial showrooms and 60-square-yard double-storey bay shops for the first time under this project. GMADA chief administrator Sakshi Sawhney said the development process has now been expedited. "Work on sewerage, stormwater drains, water supply and roads is being taken up. Once the infrastructure is completed, we expect to launch the scheme along with the EcoCity 3 project. In EcoCity 3, people are applying for the land award or land pooling scheme," she said....