Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana High Court will continue the hearing for a second consecutive day on the state’s contentious land pooling policy, temporarily halting its implementation until August 7 and demanding a detailed response from the Punjab government.
The matter, brought before the court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a Ludhiana resident, has triggered significant legal scrutiny, particularly around environmental and social implications.
During proceedings, the court posed two critical questions to the state:
- Was an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out before rolling out the land pooling policy?
- Is there a resettlement plan in place for landless individuals and agricultural laborers who depend on the affected land for their livelihood?
Advocate General Maninder Singh Grewal, representing the Punjab government, sought additional time to respond to these pressing queries.
Court Highlights Need for Environmental Review
The High Court referred to a prior landmark ruling in the case of Resident Welfare Association vs Chandigarh Administration, emphasizing that no urban development scheme should proceed without a mandatory environmental impact study. The reminder underlined the importance of environmental due diligence in large-scale land reallocation efforts.
Government Claims Policy Favors Farmers
In its defense, the Punjab government argued that the policy was designed with farmer welfare in mind. Recent amendments, approved in a cabinet meeting, introduced several measures aimed at ensuring minimal disruption to landowners.
Among the key provisions:
- Farmers will receive Rs 1 lakh annually until their allocated plots are handed over.
- If possession is delayed, the compensation will increase by 10% each year.
- In the interim, farmers can continue cultivating their existing fields.
Safeguards for Small and Marginal Farmers
The Chief Minister also announced tailored measures for farmers with less than one acre of land. These landowners will still be allotted plots under the scheme. Additionally, if a farmer opts out of a commercial plot, the size of their residential plot will be adjusted upward as compensation.
The government reiterated that the land pooling initiative is based on a “land-for-land” model, farmers contribute their land and, in return, receive developed plots within the same project area.
What’s Next?
The Punjab government is to submit its formal reply addressing the High Court’s concerns during the next hearing, i.e., today. Until then, the policy remains on hold.
The outcome of this case could set an important precedent for future urban development plans in the region, particularly in how governments balance growth with environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
