Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Chandigarh Farmers Hopeful as Land Pooling Policy Revived
Farmers in Chandigarh are hopeful because the city's administrator, Gulab Chand Kataria, has said he wants to implement a land pooling policy.
This policy would allow farmers to give their land to the government for development, and in return, they would get developed land back.
If the policy doesn't happen, the farmers will get a lot of money as compensation.
Some people think this is a good idea because it helps everyone get fair land and stops illegal building.
Others are worried that developers might benefit more than the original landowners.
The last time land was taken for development was in 2016, and since then, farmers have been asking for a land pooling policy.
Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria announced intent to pursue a land pooling policy for 22 peripheral villages.
Farmers preferring developed land will be allotted the same under the policy, or receive substantial compensation if it doesn't materialize.
The policy aims to ensure proper development and end illegal plotting and construction on Chandigarh’s periphery.
Advocates argue land pooling ensures equitable development and minimizes forced displacement, while critics caution it may benefit developers more than landowners.
The last land acquisition in Chandigarh was in 2016 for road construction, with farmers demanding a land pooling policy for recent projects like the Airport Road.
- Who
- Chandigarh farmers and landowners
- What
- Potential implementation of a land pooling policy
- When
- Less than three months after the union Government's clarification
- Where
- Chandigarh, India
- Why
- To ensure proper development on Chandigarh’s periphery and to end illegal plotting and construction
- Administrator
- Gulab Chand Kataria
- Policy Type
- Land Pooling
- Compensation
- Substantial if policy doesn't materialize
- Last Land Acquisition
- 2016 for road construction
- Advocates' Argument
- Ensures equitable development, minimizes displacement
- Critics' Concern
- Model may benefit developers more than landowners
- Land Pooling Model
- Landowners surrender plots for infrastructure, receive developed land in return
