No land pooling policy for 22 villages in Chandigarh: Centre informs MP Manish Tewari in Lok Sabha
Residents of these villages in Chandigarh have for years sought a land pooling policy similar to those implemented in Punjab and Haryana.
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Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari. (File photo)The Union Government Monday clarified that no land pooling policy is being formulated or considered for 22 peripheral villages in Chandigarh, dashing long-standing demands of residents who have been seeking a framework to develop agricultural land rendered unviable for farming.
In a written reply to Congress MP Manish Tewari’s question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said the Chandigarh Administration has informed that “no Land Pooling Policy has been formulated by them and neither such policy is under consideration.”
Residents of these villages have for years sought a policy similar to those implemented in Punjab and Haryana, under which landowners could be offered reconstituted and developed plots instead of only monetary compensation.
Those who advocate the move argue it would reduce displacement, prevent prolonged litigation, and promote inclusive urban expansion.
Tewari, who represents Chandigarh in Lok Sabha, criticised successive governments for failing to act on repeated assurances. “Over time, different political dispensations, especially the ruling one, have assured people that a land pooling policy is being formulated. Unfortunately, like all other assurances, this has proven to be a chimaera, a mirage,” he said.
He added that the “legitimate aspirations” of the residents of these 22 villages were “being repeatedly belied, as is the case with other developmental initiatives pertaining to Chandigarh,” and called for a reset of the city’s administrative and governance model.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Government withdrew its controversial land pooling policy later in the day, with sources saying the decision followed an assessment that the protests against the policy had become “too hot to handle.”
According to officials, the government will now seek the Cabinet’s ex-post facto approval, deciding not to wait for the next Cabinet meeting before acting.
The Punjab Government’s policy, which had identified over 40,000 acres for pooling, faced opposition from farmers, landowners, and political parties.
What is land pooling?
Land pooling is a development model in which landowners surrender their agricultural plots to the government for infrastructure and urban expansion. Instead of cash compensation, they receive a portion of the reconstituted and developed land after roads, utilities, and public spaces are laid out.
Punjab and Haryana have implemented variations where farmers retain ownership rights, get serviced plots in return, and benefit from the rise in property value once the area is developed.
Advocates say the model ensures equitable development, minimises forced displacement, and limits prolonged litigation over compensation.
However, critics say that without safeguards, it can benefit developers more than original landowners.
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