GNDU to submit SIA report in time

Strap: Acquisition of around 32 acres at Chhiddan village

Neeraj Bagga

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, March 7

Guru Nanak Dev University’s (GNDU’s) Social Sciences Department has finished the field study for acquiring around 32 acres for the proposed Post Graduate Institute of Horticulture Research and Education (PGIHRE) at Chhiddan village on Amritsar-Attari road.

The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare had awarded the social impact assessment (SIA) study to GNDU on October 29, which had to be completed within a period of six months (April 30).

The SIA study team comprises six experts, drawn from economics, law, sociology, environment, political science and environment, besides 20 research scholars. The team held field tours at Chiddan village, involving group discussions with the stakeholders.

Project head of the SIA Dr Rajesh Kumar said the land acquisition process would be a smooth affair and the SIA report would be submitted to the government in time.

He said it would be a rather hassle-free acquisition as around 28 acres belong to an individual and remaing land belongs to 60 families. The proposed land does not involve any discplacment and dislocation of dwellers.

“It will be a hassle-free process as there is no concrete structure on the said land. Besides, there is no opposition to the project and people around the site are keen to see materialisation of the project,” he said.

At the end of March, the SIA team is likely to hold an open public hearing.