Land Grab or Growth Engine? Punjab’s 25-Year Land Acquisition Scrutinized
Over the past 25 years, Punjab’s development authorities have acquired a staggering 10,967 acres of land. Nearly 8,000 acres have been developed for various projects.
The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) leads the pack, acquiring a massive 9,311 acres, predominantly during the SAD-BJP government’s tenure.
Other authorities, including GLADA, PDA, ADA, BDA, and JDA, also participated in land acquisition, though the extent of development varies significantly across these projects.
This extensive land acquisition raises crucial questions about transparency, equitable distribution of benefits, and the overall impact on local communities. A detailed investigation into the utilisation of acquired land and its socio-economic consequences is urgently needed. The findings will be crucial for informing future land acquisition policies and ensuring accountability in the state’s development plans.