Land Grab or Growth Engine? Punjab’s 25-Year Land Acquisition Scrutiny
Over the past 25 years, Punjab’s development authorities have acquired a staggering 10,967 acres of land, a figure that raises eyebrows even amongst seasoned observers. Nearly 8,000 acres of this land has been developed for various projects.
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) alone accounts for a lion’s share of this acquisition, with a massive 9,311 acres acquired primarily during the SAD-BJP government’s tenure.
Other authorities, including the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA), Patiala Development Authority (PDA), Amritsar Development Authority (ADA), Bathinda Development Authority (BDA), and Jalandhar Development Authority (JDA), also participated in land acquisition, although the extent of development varies significantly across these bodies.
This extensive land acquisition, while aimed at fostering development, has sparked debate regarding transparency and equitable distribution of benefits. The disparity in development across different authorities warrants further investigation.
The issue demands a thorough review, considering its implications for farmers, land prices, and the overall trajectory of Punjab’s urban landscape. The public deserves a transparent accounting of this massive land acquisition and its impact on the state’s development.
