Punjab government has restored possession of land parcels to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) following a directive from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The reclaimed lands, previously taken back by local landowners, are crucial for the progression of major highway projects in the state. The land in question includes 1.77 kilometers in Fazilka district, earmarked for the four-laning of the Abohar-Fazilka section of National Highway 7, and smaller stretches of 0.175 kilometers in Malerkotla and 0.07 kilometers in Sangrur, both integral to the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway project.
The issue arose when landowners, citing inadequate compensation and disruptions to their livelihoods, reclaimed these lands, halting construction activities. The NHAI reported these incidents to the High Court, emphasizing the urgency of uninterrupted land possession for timely project completion. In response, the High Court summoned the Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police from the affected districts, demanding explanations and immediate action. The court underscored the importance of adhering to legal processes and ensuring that infrastructure projects are not impeded by such disputes.
Following the court’s intervention, the Punjab government confirmed the restoration of the disputed land parcels to the NHAI. Additionally, security measures have been implemented at these sites to prevent further disruptions. Despite this progress, challenges remain. Approximately 16 kilometers of land across various districts are yet to be handed over to the NHAI, affecting 36 infrastructure projects spanning 1,288.31 kilometers. The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for July 11, requesting a comprehensive status report on land acquisitions.
The situation highlights the complexities of land acquisition in infrastructure development, balancing the needs of national projects with the rights and concerns of local communities. Ensuring fair compensation and transparent processes is essential to mitigate such conflicts and facilitate sustainable development. As Punjab continues to navigate these challenges, the collaboration between government authorities, the judiciary, and local stakeholders will be pivotal in advancing infrastructure goals while upholding social equity and environmental considerations.
Also Read : NH48 Service Roads in PCMC to Be Upgraded
