The hunger strike initiated by farmers and landowners opposing the land acquisition for the Aerotropolis project in Mohali came to a close on Tuesday, following the Punjab government’s agreement to their primary demands and assurances.
The demonstration, which had persisted for several days outside the GMADA office, officially ended after farmer leaders were offered juice, symbolizing the resolution of the protest. The negotiations were spearheaded by the state’s Housing and Urban Development Minister, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Mohali MLA, Kulwant Singh, with the participation of GMADA Chief Administrator, Sakshi Sawhny, and Land Acquisition Officer, Rohit Jindal.
Mundian addressed the crowd, affirming the government’s dedication to protecting the interests of farmers and landowners, stating that no decisions regarding land acquisition would proceed without their agreement. He specified that the acquisition of land for Aerotropolis blocks E, F, G, H, I, and J would only occur with the farmers’ consent.
The minister credited MLA Kulwant Singh for effectively communicating the farmers’ concerns to the Chief Minister, which facilitated a prompt resolution. Before the protest was officially concluded, Mundian presented a written document detailing the agreed-upon demands.
Among the decisions reached, the validity period of the Sahuliyat Certificate has been extended from two to four years. Additionally, the timeframe for requesting tubewell connections has been lengthened to four years, with a priority installation timeframe of two months. All plots, including those in preferential locations, will be included in the lottery draw to ensure fairness.
In light of ongoing legal matters and High Court directives concerning valuation, pending compensation in certain areas will be deposited in the reference court. The government has pledged to accelerate development work and ensure timely payments for properties unaffected by acquisition. Furthermore, all development initiatives are to be completed within three years from the date of land possession. Enhanced land pooling benefits will result in a slight increase in both residential and commercial entitlements per acre, and all eligible farmers will receive oustee certificates and plots according to their landholdings. The government has also waived conveyance deed fees for original landowners.
The administration has assured that critical village infrastructure, including government schools, parks, and dispensaries, will remain outside the acquisition zone, while sewerage, water supply, and stormwater systems will be integrated with GMADA’s infrastructure. Essential development initiatives, such as road construction, will be carried out, with GMADA providing financial assistance as necessary. Homes situated along the village ‘phirni’ will be exempt from acquisition, while those located within agricultural fields in the planning area will be appropriately relocated.
Reiterating the government’s position, Mundian stated, “Development cannot be pursued at the expense of the people’s sentiments. Public concerns are paramount to us.”
MLA Kulwant Singh expressed his appreciation to the Chief Minister and the Minister for their responsiveness to the farmers’ demands and thanked the farmers and landowners for their collaboration.
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