JALANDHAR
Local bodies minister Balkar Singh on Monday directed officials to resolve the issues of farmers pertaining to anomalies regarding compensation against land acquisition and the threat of water logging in the future due to NHAI projects.
While listening to the problems being faced by the farmers from the Doaba region here at the circuit house, Accompanied by MLA Nakodar Inderjeet Kaur Mann, Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal, and Chairperson Rajwinder Kaur Thiara, the Minister assured the farmers speedy redressal and all issues would be settled amicably in a time bound manner.
He said that the Delhi-Katra Expressway, Jalandhar Ring Road, and Amritsar - Bathinda greenfield highway were of national importance projects and asked the officials to talk with NHAI in a positive manner so that the farmers must not suffer in any manner.
The Minister said that the Punjab Government under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, was standing with farmers rock solid always and told the farmers that the pending cases of awards at the level of divisional commissioner will be disposed of as soon as possible.
Talking about the issue raised by farmers about the obstruction in the natural flow of water due to projects, the Cabinet Minister said that the district administrator had already formed a four-member committee led by SDM comprising NHAI and drainage department officials in this regard. The Committee has also been asked to hold consultations with all stakeholders including farmers, villagers, and others. He also said that these projects must have a proper drainage system and ensure the flyovers do not act as a barrier preventing the drainage of rainwater.
He said that the committee would give a detailed report on shortcomings in the designs if any, so that the action can be taken accordingly to ensure adequate passage for the discharge of rainwater from one side to the other.
MLA Nakodar Inderjeet Kaur Mann, Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal also
took part in the deliberation.
Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included ADCs, SDMs, revenue officials, and representatives of farmers.