Farmers resent delays in execution of land policies

Thousands of farmers, labourers, and citizens gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Sunday for a peaceful protest demanding the immediate implementation of the stalled Land Pooling Policy (LPP) and Green Development Area (GDA) Policy under the Master Plan Delhi 2041 (MPD-2041). The protest, organised by the Delhi Dehat Vikas Munch (DDVM), is an extension of ongoing strikes in Daulatpur and Kanjhawla, where farmers have been on strike for over 120 and 100 days, respectively. The gathering highlights widespread frustration over delays in implementing policies crucial for Delhi’s economic growth and sustainable development.

The LPP and GDA, which are part of MPD-2041, are seen as transformative for the city’s future. These policies aim to address pressing issues such as housing shortages, unemployment, environmental degradation, and social inequality. If implemented, they could bring 500 billion dollars in economic activity, create 17 lakh new homes (3 lakh for Economically Weaker Sections), and generate over 20 lakh jobs. The GDA policy also aims to improve environmental sustainability by promoting green infrastructure, reducing pollution, and increasing tree coverage.

Despite these benefits, bureaucratic delays have stalled progress for nearly two decades, leading to unplanned urban sprawl and growing trust deficit. DDVM issued an ultimatum to political parties, urging those not in power to include LPP and GDA implementation in their election manifestos. For the ruling party, the protestors demanded that these policies be notified before the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, warning that failure to do so could result in lost votes.

DDVM president Bhupender Bazad said, “Our protest will continue until we see practical implementation on the ground,” he said.