Milpitas( California): The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), through its Executive Director, Mr. Satnam Singh Chahal, has written a letter to Punjab Governor Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, seeking immediate intervention to halt and roll back the controversial land pooling policy initiated by the state government.
The policy, which was rolled out in May to accelerate urban development, proposes acquiring large chunks of agricultural land across 27 urban centres, including over 24,000 acres around Ludhiana alone. The government claims that the policy would benefit landowners by offering developed plots of higher value in return. However, NAPA has strongly criticised this claim, calling it misleading and harmful to Punjab’s already stressed farming community.
Mr. Chahal stated, “This policy is a direct assault on Punjab’s agricultural roots. It threatens to convert fertile farmland into townships, displacing thousands of families. We urge the Hon’ble Governor to step in and protect the interests of our farmers.”
The appeal follows similar objections raised by a senior BJP delegation, including state president Sunil Jakhar and national general secretary Tarun Chugh, who met the Governor to voice concerns about the policy.
NAPA emphasized that while urban development is necessary, it must not come at the expense of Punjab’s agrarian economy and food security. The organisation has called upon Punjabis worldwide to raise their voice and stand in solidarity with the farmers.