The ambitious expansion of the Mohali Aerotropolis project has witnessed a significant acceleration, with authorities completing a crucial assessment phase in a remarkably short timeframe. The Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) has submitted the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report for the proposed land acquisition, accomplishing the task in just ten days—a process that typically stretches over several months.
Villagers Voice Concerns and Objections
This rapid progress follows the official notification issued under Section 4 of the old Land Acquisition Act, targeting a total of 3,513 acres spread across eight villages: Patto, Kuradi, Siaun, Bary, Matran, Kishanpura, Chhatt, and Bakarpur. The SIA was conducted by a team from the Department of Sociology at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), led by Prof Sanjeev Kumar.
Between November 10 and 12, the assessment team visited all the affected villages to gather feedback directly from farmers, panchayats, and local residents. During these consultations, villagers submitted both written and verbal objections, expressing strong reservations about the acquisition process. Several farmers explicitly stated that they would not consent to the land acquisition unless their concerns are adequately addressed, warning of opposition if the authorities proceed without resolving the issues.
Expert Committee to Review Findings
The next critical step in the process is scheduled for November 27. The Housing & Urban Development Department has called for a meeting of the state-appointed expert committee at 3:30 pm in PUDA Bhawan, Sector 62, Mohali. This committee is chaired by former IAS officer K S Sidhu, with Tarlochan Singh serving as the member-secretary.
Other members include Prof Ramanjit Kaur Johal, Dr Vandana Arora from Panjab University, and Sudesh Kaul from Faridabad, Haryana. Invitations have been extended to the sarpanches and lambardars of all eight villages, along with the PAU assessment team, to ensure their representations are heard.
Project Scope and Compensation Policy
The land acquisition is aimed at developing six new sectors for the Aerotropolis project. While GMADA has already established Pockets A, B, C, and D, the new acquisition will carve out Pockets E, F, G, H, I, and J from the land in the eight villages.
A key point of discussion among the affected families is the 2021 Land Pooling Policy. Under this scheme, landowners have the option to forgo cash compensation and instead receive developed plots. The policy offers 1,000 square yards of residential and 200 square yards of commercial land for every acre pooled.
Simultaneously, GMADA has demonstrated its commitment to the project's progress by floating tenders worth over Rs 509 crore for major road and infrastructure works within the existing Aerotropolis pockets.
Despite the potential benefits of the land pooling scheme, farmers remain apprehensive. Their primary concerns revolve around the threat to their livelihood, uncertainties regarding resettlement, the valuation of the developed plots they would receive, and their long-term economic security. Many are seeking clear and concrete assurances from the administration before agreeing to the acquisition.
The expert committee's meeting on November 27 will be pivotal. After reviewing the SIA findings and the objections raised by villagers, the panel will submit its recommendations to the government. The final decision on acquiring land for Pockets E to J of the Mohali Aerotropolis will be made based on this critical review.
