Chandigarh— The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), a leading voice for the Punjabi diaspora, has strongly condemned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government for its recent decision to acquire 25,000 acres of prime agricultural land surrounding Ludhiana.
In a sharply worded statement, NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal called for an immediate reversal of the proposal, which was recently approved by the Punjab Cabinet. “The move to acquire nearly all farmland within a 10-kilometre radius of Ludhiana—one of Punjab’s most fertile regions—poses a catastrophic threat to the livelihood of farmers,” said Chahal.
The proposed land acquisition affects over 150 villages in the Ludhiana district, directly impacting approximately 50,000 farming families who have cultivated these lands for generations. These agricultural areas contribute significantly to Punjab’s wheat and rice production, forming a crucial part of India’s food security framework.
Chahal further alleged that the policy was influenced by Punjab’s Finance and Excise Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, whom he also held accountable for recent illicit liquor tragedies in Sangrur, Amritsar, and Ludhiana. He accused Delhi-based AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satinder Jain of interfering in Punjab’s internal affairs, claiming they are “camping in the state and undermining local governance.”
“The market value of agricultural land in Ludhiana villages ranges from ₹5 crore to ₹10 crore per acre,” said Chahal. “Once seized, these farmers will have no viable alternatives to sustain their livelihoods. This decision reflects an alarming disconnect between AAP leadership and the rural backbone of Punjab.”
NAPA estimates that the total economic impact of this land acquisition could exceed ₹2 lakh crore, making it one of the largest forced land transfers in Punjab’s recent history. The organisation expressed particular concern about the inadequate compensation mechanism proposed by the government, which fails to account for the long-term earning potential of these fertile agricultural lands.
Chahal also warned of the severe environmental consequences of the move. “Punjab is already grappling with the consequences of unchecked urbanization. This large-scale land grab will only deepen the ecological crisis,” he stated. “If such policies continue unchecked, a day will come when there will be no arable land left for agriculture in Punjab.”
The NAPA leader highlighted that Punjab has already lost over 30% of its agricultural land to industrial and urban development in the past two decades, contributing to declining groundwater levels and soil degradation. The proposed acquisition would accelerate this trend, potentially making the state dependent on other regions for food production.
“This decision comes at a time when Punjab’s farmers are already struggling with rising input costs, climate change impacts, and market uncertainties,” Chahal noted. “Instead of supporting our agricultural community, the government is effectively dismantling the very foundation of Punjab’s economy.”
NAPA also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the decision-making process, alleging that affected farmers and local communities were not adequately consulted before the Cabinet approval. The organization demanded that the government conduct comprehensive environmental impact assessments and hold public consultations in all affected villages.
The association announced plans to mobilize the global Punjabi diaspora to oppose the land acquisition through peaceful protests, legal challenges, and international advocacy. NAPA has also called upon farmer organizations, civil society groups, and opposition political parties to unite against what it termed “an assault on Punjab’s agricultural heritage.”
“We stand in solidarity with Punjab’s farmers and will use all available legal and democratic means to protect their rights,” Chahal declared. “The international Punjabi community will not remain silent while our motherland’s agricultural backbone is systematically destroyed.”
NAPA urged the government to prioritize the welfare of Punjab’s farmers and to pursue development strategies that are both inclusive and sustainable. The organization proposed alternative development models that could achieve economic growth without compromising agricultural productivity or displacing farming communities.
The association has requested an urgent meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and has threatened to escalate the matter to national and international forums if the government fails to reconsider its decision within 30 days.