Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, April 14, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
The state’s Housing and Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh today ended the ongoing hunger strike by farmers and landowners affected by land acquisition in the Aerotropolis project in Mohali.
The protest had been continuing for several days outside the GMADA office. The strike was called off after the leaders offered juice to the protesting farmers and announced that the Bhagwant Singh Mann government had accepted their demands. GMADA Chief Administrator Ms. Sakshi Sahni and Land Acquisition Officer Rohit Jindal were also present on the occasion.
Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said that the Punjab government under Bhagwant Singh Mann always prioritizes the interests of farmers and landowners. No decision related to farmers is taken without their consent. He added that land acquisition for the development of blocks E, F, G, H, I, and J of the Aerotropolis project in Mohali will also be carried out only with farmers’ consent.
He further stated that during its four-year tenure, the Punjab government has fulfilled promises and guarantees made to all sections of society. Referring to the recently passed ‘Jagat Jyot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill 2026’ in the Assembly, he said it ensures strict punishment for sacrilege incidents, reflecting the government’s deep respect for Sri Guru Granth Sahib. He also highlighted initiatives like the Chief Minister Health Scheme, zero electricity bills up to 600 units, Aam Aadmi Clinics, education reforms, and other developmental works as symbols of the government’s accountability and commitment.
He said that after MLA Kulwant Singh raised the concerns of affected farmers and landowners before Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, immediate directions were issued to concerned departments to accept their demands, paving the way for resolution.
Before ending the protest, the minister read out and handed over a written document detailing the accepted demands to the farmers.
The government announced a series of decisions while accepting the farmers’ demands. It extended the validity of the facilitation certificate from two years to four years, with the new period to be counted from the date of compensation payment or issuance of the Letter of Intent (LOI). Similarly, the time limit for applying for tube well connections has also been increased to four years, and the concerned department has been directed to provide connections on priority within two months.
In the matter of plot allotment, the government addressed farmers’ concerns by deciding that all plots, including those in preferential locations, will be included in the draw of lots. To resolve delays in development caused by Vigilance FIR No. 16 in pockets A, B, C, and D of the Aerotropolis project, it was decided that pending compensation will be deposited in the reference court, development work will be accelerated, compensation for structures not covered under the FIR will be released, and amounts related to disputed areas will be deposited in court. The government also committed to completing all development works within three years from the date of award and possession of land.
Accepting the demand to enhance land pooling benefits, the government increased the allocation for mixed-use land (above one acre) to 1000 square yards per acre for residential use and raised commercial benefits from 200 to 210 square yards per acre. For residential land above one acre, the benefit has been increased from 1600 to 1630 square yards per acre.
Under the oustee quota, it was decided that all farmers will be issued oustee certificates and plots will be allotted at scheme rates, with 200 square yards for land up to 0.5 acre, 300 square yards for land between 0.5 and 2.5 acres, and 500 square yards for land above 2.5 acres. The government also waived conveyance deed charges completely for original landowners.
Further, the demand to carry out village development alongside land acquisition has been accepted. Schools, parks, and dispensaries will be kept outside the acquisition process, while sewerage, water supply, and stormwater systems will be integrated with GMADA management. Roads and other essential infrastructure will be developed in villages, and GMADA will provide funds if any department faces shortages.
Finally, it was decided that houses located along village boundaries (phirni) will be exempted from acquisition, while houses situated within agricultural fields will be relocated.
Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian emphasized that development cannot come at the cost of people’s sentiments, and the government fully respects public concerns.
MLA Kulwant Singh thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Housing and Urban Development Minister for accepting the farmers’ demands. He also expressed gratitude to the farmers and landowners for their continued trust in him.
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