The farmers’ protest against the land acquisition for GMADA’s ambitious Aerotropolis expansion project is gaining traction, with demonstrators engaging in a hunger strike outside the GMADA office since March 25.
Farmers have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the acquisition process, arguing that their productive farmland is being seized, and in exchange, they are offered plots in less desirable locations, with no clear timeline for when these plots will be allocated.
In the midst of the protest, a meeting took place at the Circuit House between government officials and farmer representatives, lasting approximately 90 minutes. Preliminary indications of partial agreement on several demands were noted. Key attendees included Principal Secretary (PUDA) Vikas Garg, GMADA Chief Administrator Sakshi Sawhney, Land Acquisition Collector Rohit Jindal, Sewerage Board Chairman Dr. Sunny Ahluwalia, and AAP leader Satinder Jain, while farmers were represented by figures such as Jagrup Singh Kurdi, Gurpratap Singh Badi, Harminder Singh Patton, Advocate Gurveer Singh Antal, and various village sarpanches.
During the discussions, consensus was reached on several important matters, including the allotment of plots under the land pooling scheme, the allocation of residential and commercial plots in prime locations, a waiver on CLU fees, and an extension of the validity period for facilitation certificates. However, the farmers rejected the administration’s proposal to expand the land pooling area, which included an increase of 20 square yards for residential plots and 10 square yards for commercial plots, deeming it inadequate. The farmers indicated that they would consult all affected villages before making a final decision and emphasized that the hunger strike would continue until they receive a formal commitment addressing their concerns.
Additionally, farmers from Sekhanmajra village have joined the hunger strike, chanting slogans against GMADA and the Punjab government, which has further escalated the protest.
The Aerotropolis Project is a key initiative by GMADA, aimed at creating a modern urban environment around the Mohali International Airport by developing integrated residential, commercial, and industrial zones. While the project is poised to attract investment and create job opportunities, the ongoing resistance from farmers presents a significant obstacle to its advancement.
For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram.
