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Day after doing away with land pooling policy, Punjab govt not ready with scrapping notification

Even as the Punjab government scrapped its controversial land pooling policy, it was not ready with a notification to scrap the policy a day later on Tuesday. Sources in the government said that the officials and top leadership of AAP were all putting their heads together to stitch up the notification amid Opposition and farmers […]

"Ardass" being performed during the "Pakka Dharna " against Land Pooling policy outside the GLADA office in Ludhiana on Friday. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh)

Even as the Punjab government scrapped its controversial land pooling policy, it was not ready with a notification to scrap the policy a day later on Tuesday.

Sources in the government said that the officials and top leadership of AAP were all putting their heads together to stitch up the notification amid Opposition and farmers unions demands that notification regarding scrapping of the policy should have been out.

When asked, a government official said, “It is being prepared.” All eyes are on the notification as it would throw light on what all projects would be shut down completely. For instance, the government had issued a notice for the land pooling policy for expansion of Aerotropolis residential scheme in IT City of Mohali. The government had identified land for blocks E,F,G,H,I and J of the project and offered land pooling to the landowners.

“If the entire land pooling policy is scrapped then this project would also not see expansion. The government had already frozen the Chang in Land Use (CLU) in the area since 2017. No private builder can construct any housing project in the area. It was frozen so as to allow GMADA to expand the Aerotropolis which is already facing delays due to guava orchard scam that took place in the area. Now, the Vigilance Bureau is handling the case and no development can take
place in the area. Hence, the new blocks are of utmost importance forthe state. The government is now wary of the already paddled narrative against the land pooling. Now, it remains to be seen whether the notification would mean curtains on the expansion of Aerotropolis or they would fins a way out,” a source said.

He added that in such circumstances, the notification is of utmost importance. “The way it will be worded will matter. That would have a bearing on the future projects. That is why the delay.”

An official said that the government will have to scrap the entire policy first. “If it wants to acquire land for Aerotropolis, it can
do so under the Land acquisition Act.” Sources said that the government is likely to summon a Cabinet meeting for scrapping the policy. “We had not thought about it earlier. But this is a part of the narrative now. We will see what is to be done,” a Cabinet minister told The Indian Express.

Kanchan Vasdev

Kanchan Vasdev is a Senior Assistant Editor in The Indian Express’ Punjab bureau. She is a highly experienced journalist with 22 years of expertise covering high-stakes politics, governance, and social issues in Northern India. Professional Background Role: Primary reporter covering the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), government policies, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership in the state. Experience: She previously worked with The Tribune and has played a key role in launching various city editions. Special Projects: Abandoned Brides: Authored a monograph on brides abandoned by NRIs as part of the Prabha Dutt Memorial Fellowship. Environment: Worked as a Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) fellow, focusing on the pollution levels in the Satluj river. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reporting focuses on the legislative strategies and political maneuvers of the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government: 1. Legislative & Governance Standoffs "Punjab govt advances special Assembly session to pass resolution against VB-G RAM G Bill" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the state's move to block the Centre's "Viksit Bharat" mission, which the state claims will undermine MGNREGA. "Punjab govt doubles down on special sessions, sixth in January" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing the AAP government's use of special sessions as a legislative tool amid tensions with the Governor. "Punjab asks 'VIP teachers' working near Chandigarh to go back to border districts" (Dec 16, 2025): Reporting on CM Mann's move to end the practice of influential teachers avoiding postings in remote areas. 2. Political Analysis & Rural Polls "Punjab rural polls: Why Akalis are likened to dinosaurs in Punjab" (Dec 19, 2025): Analyzing CM Bhagwant Mann's rhetoric against the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) following local body elections. "AAP claims win in 78% Punjab zila parishads as counting continues" (Dec 18, 2025): Breaking down the results of the 2025 rural elections. "Rahul Gandhi and Sidhu alike, says Bhagwant Mann" (Dec 13, 2025): Covering the CM's critique of the Congress leadership. 3. Law Enforcement & Bureaucracy "Suspended Punjab IPS officer Ravjot Kaur Grewal awaits reinstatement" (Dec 10, 2025): Investigative reporting on the bureaucratic red tape involving the Election Commission and the state government. "Punjab declines to give parole to Amritpal Singh" (Nov 27, 2025): Detailing the state government's refusal to grant parole to the radical preacher and sitting MP. 4. Welfare & Economy "Punjab government's plan to add more freebies to 'atta-dal' scheme hits funds roadblock" (Dec 4, 2024): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing the state's flagship food security program. "Mann leads Punjab delegation to Japan and South Korea for investor outreach" (Dec 2, 2025). Signature Beat Kanchan Vasdev is known for her insider access to Punjab's political executive. Her writing provides deep insights into how state policies are formulated and the friction points between the state government and central authorities. Her dual expertise in environment and law allows her to report on complex issues like the "Farmhouse Policy" (Dec 18, 2025) and river pollution with a unique policy-oriented lens. X (Twitter): @kanchan99 ... Read More

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