Mohali, November 10:- Lok Sabha Member from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malwinder Singh Kang, today chaired a high-level meeting with Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) Chief Administrator Sandeep Rishi to discuss long-pending issues related to land acquisition, compensation payments and village development in Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district.
Sarpanches from various villages of the district and farmer leaders participated in the meeting and raised concerns of farmers, labourers, original landowners and economically weaker sections affected by land acquired for development projects. Malwinder Singh Kang said that alongside planned development of the region, it was equally essential to protect the interests of those who had contributed their land for development works.
During the meeting, the issue of delays in compensation payments in Aerotropolis Sectors B, C and D was specifically raised. The demand for issuing Letters of Intent (LOIs) to eligible landowners and providing benefits under Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) at the earliest was also highlighted.
The need to prioritise basic facilities such as drinking water, sewerage, parks and parking in villages affected by land acquisition was also emphasised. The leaders said that residents of villages should not have to face a shortage of basic amenities due to development projects.
Raising an important demand concerning agricultural motor connections, the participants sought the removal of the time-limit condition for obtaining a new agricultural motor connection after land acquisition. This would enable farmers to obtain a motor connection at any time after purchasing new agricultural land.
The meeting also discussed the issue of bringing Sector 125 of the Sunny Enclave Mega Project in Kharar under GMADA’s jurisdiction, so that relief could be provided to residents affected by the project.
Issues concerning delays in payments, clubbing of land and the fair, transparent and non-discriminatory implementation of GMADA policies were also discussed to ensure the protection of the interests of all affected landowners.
During the meeting, GMADA officials resolved several issues on the spot. It was also stated that matters falling outside GMADA’s jurisdiction would be brought to the attention of the concerned ministry and the Chief Minister for their early resolution.
Lok Sabha MP Malwinder Singh Kang stressed that the problems of farmers, labourers and villagers affected by land acquisition must be resolved within a stipulated timeframe, and that continuous coordination should be maintained with the concerned officials to achieve this objective.
