Land pooling policy: Punjab Govt to go slow in Ludhiana as officials, MLAs cite opposition

The Punjab Government has decided to acquire only around 6,000 acres by the year-end in Ludhiana district under the land pooling policy following suggestions from ruling AAP legislators and officers amid growing opposition to the initiative.

According to sources, the decision to adopt a phased approach came as the MLAs and highly-placed officers told the government that it might not be possible to acquire the targeted 45,000 acres in one go due to massive opposition to the scheme. A source said the decision was conveyed to the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA) and the Ludhiana district administration by the government in a fresh directive.

The government has set a target to acquire around 45,000 acres in the district for both residential and industrial projects — the maximum in the state.

According to sources, the focus in the first phase will be on the acquisition of land in Zones 1 and 2, covering 10 villages.

The Zone 1 includes Bagga Kalan, Nurpur Bet, Garha and Malakpur villages, where the government has decided to acquire 2,352 acres.

The Zone 2 includes Birmi, Basami, Phagla, Dakha, Issewal, and Bhattian villages, covering 3,560 acres.

The Ludhiana development authority GLADA has also submitted proposals for the development of urban estates in Moga, Ferozepur, and Nawanshahr, the areas covered under its jurisdiction.

“By the end of this year, we aim to acquire smaller land parcels and begin development works. If this phase proceeds smoothly, further land acquisition will follow. The government is aware the implementation of the policy requires building trust among farmers. It is not a task that can be completed in one stroke,” a senior official from Chandigarh told The Tribune.

Meanwhile, a statement said the government has received the consent to acquire 280 acres in the district till now.