Congress Leader Sounds Alarm Over Punjab Land Act Changes
Bholath MLA and All India Kissan Congress chairman Sukhpal Singh Khaira has raised serious concerns with Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. He wrote a detailed letter about recent amendments to the Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA). The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government made these changes.
Ecological Balance Under Threat
Khaira warned the governor about far-reaching ecological implications. He stated the amendments threaten Punjab's fragile ecology. This is especially true for the kandi belt and eco-sensitive areas around Chandigarh.
The PLPA was originally enacted to preserve forests. It aimed to prevent soil erosion and protect groundwater. The law safeguarded the state's overall ecological balance. Khaira highlighted that diluting its provisions directly undermines this purpose.
Restrictions on non-agricultural construction and land use change are now weakened. This could lead to irreversible environmental damage, according to the Congress leader.
Risk of Uncontrolled Construction and Land Grabbing
The legislator expressed strong apprehension. He fears the amendments might open floodgates for indiscriminate construction. Farmhouses and commercial ventures could proliferate under the guise of development.
Khaira said this would likely benefit a select few with prior knowledge of the policy changes. A strong perception exists that elements closely aligned with the ruling party might exploit the situation. He specifically mentioned an emerging land mafia.
These actors could accumulate large land banks at throwaway prices. They might reap windfall profits, causing permanent ecological harm to Punjab.
Governance and Transparency Concerns
The Congress leader also flagged major governance issues. He claimed the policy changes were made without transparent consultation. No credible environmental impact assessment was conducted, and there was no legislative consensus.
This raises serious questions about propriety and public interest. Khaira pointed to Punjab's existing environmental stress. The state faces groundwater depletion, deforestation, and climate vulnerability.
Punjab cannot afford any reckless dilution of its protective laws, the senior leader emphasized.
Call for Governor's Intervention
Khaira urged Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to examine the amendments thoroughly. He requested a review of their constitutional, legal, and environmental ramifications. This review must happen in a transparent and accountable manner.
He reminded that ecologically sensitive areas still receive statutory protection under the PLPA. Any misuse of policy changes for speculative land grabbing or profiteering must be prevented.
Stating that Punjab's land, forests, and natural resources are the collective heritage of its people, Khaira appealed for decisions guided by long-term public interest. Short-term political or commercial considerations should not prevail. He asked the governor to give this matter urgent and serious attention.
