Residents from multiple villages in Chandigarh have intensified their demand for the implementation of a land pooling policy that would enable planned development of their areas while protecting their land rights. The movement has gained momentum with villagers seeking clarity from the Union Territory administration about their future development plans.
Villagers Unite for Common Cause
Representatives from 14 villages surrounding Chandigarh have come together to press the administration for a formal land pooling policy. These villages include Daria, Kishangarh, Khudda Jassu, Burail, and Behlana, among others. The residents argue that such a policy is essential for their areas to develop in a systematic manner while preserving their ownership rights.
The demand was formally presented during a recent meeting with UT officials where village representatives expressed their concerns about the current development approach. They emphasized that without a proper policy framework, their villages face the risk of haphazard development that could compromise both their livelihoods and the environment.
Understanding the Land Pooling Concept
Land pooling is a development mechanism where multiple land parcels are combined and then returned to owners after proper planning and infrastructure development. This approach allows for orderly urban expansion while ensuring that original landowners benefit from the increased value of their developed properties.
Under this system, farmers and landowners would contribute a portion of their land for development of essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, hospitals, and parks. In return, they would receive developed plots with higher value and better amenities. This model has been successfully implemented in various states across India, including Haryana and Gujarat.
Village representatives argue that Chandigarh needs to adopt this progressive approach rather than continuing with conventional land acquisition methods that often leave landowners dissatisfied with compensation and disconnected from the development process.
Administration's Response and Next Steps
The UT administration has acknowledged the villagers' demands and has promised to examine the feasibility of implementing a land pooling policy. Officials have indicated that they are studying similar policies from other states to create a framework suitable for Chandigarh's unique requirements.
However, villagers remain concerned about the lack of concrete timelines and clear commitments from the administration. They have threatened to escalate their protest if their demands are not addressed promptly. The villagers have made it clear that they want to be active participants in the development process rather than passive recipients of government decisions.
The residents have also highlighted the success of land pooling policies in neighboring states, arguing that Chandigarh cannot afford to lag behind in adopting modern urban development practices. They believe that a properly implemented land pooling policy would benefit both the villagers and the city as a whole by ensuring planned, sustainable growth.
As the dialogue continues, all eyes are on the UT administration to see how it responds to this legitimate demand from village communities seeking to secure their future while contributing to Chandigarh's development story.
