CM Bhagwan Mann justifies decision on the plea of attracting new investment in the state
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government’s recent decision to acquire 25, 000 acres of agricultural land in and around Ludhiana for industrial and urban development has triggered widespread concern among farmers, environmentalists, and urban planning experts.
The move, approved by the state cabinet under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is being criticized for targeting fertile, high-value agricultural land in one of the most densely populated and industrialized regions of Punjab.
According to official sources, the land acquisition will cover almost all the villages within a 10-kilometre radius of Ludhiana city, which is already experiencing severe urban congestion, rising pollution levels, and a stressed ecosystem. Ludhiana, home to a population of over 1.5 crore and a major industrial hub of India, is considered the state’s economic engine. However, critics argue that the relentless expansion of its urban boundaries is now threatening its agricultural roots and environmental balance.
CM Mann's Justification
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, while defending the decision, said that Punjab needs to attract investment and expand its industrial base to provide employment for its youth. “We are planning for the future of Punjab. The development will be planned, inclusive, and environment-friendly, ” he said at a recent press interaction.
Agricultural experts and farmer unions point out that the land marked for acquisition is among the most fertile tracts in central Punjab, known for producing high yields of wheat, paddy, and vegetables. “This is not barren land. These are productive farms that support thousands of families. Displacing them without a sustainable rehabilitation plan will destroy their livelihoods, ” said a spokesperson of a leading farmers’ organization.
With land prices in the region ranging from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore per acre, the decision also raises economic concerns. Once acquired, many farmers may be unable to afford alternate farmland elsewhere, potentially pushing them out of agriculture altogether.
Environmental activists have raised red flags about the ecological consequences of expanding Ludhiana’s urban footprint. The city is already grappling with severe air and water pollution, especially from its textile and dyeing industries, and poor waste management. The city’s infamous Budha Nullah, a once-pristine stream now turned into a toxic drain, is cited as a glaring example of unchecked industrialisation.
“Urbanisation has already devastated Ludhiana’s ecosystem. Paving over even more green and agricultural areas will exacerbate flooding, heat island effects, and air quality problems, ” said an environmental scientist from Punjab Agricultural University.
Alternative Development Options Ignored?
Critics argue that the Punjab government could have explored less populated, less ecologically sensitive areas for new industrial and infrastructure projects, particularly in southern or southwestern Punjab, where land is more arid and population density is lower.
“There are large swathes of land available in districts like Bathinda, Mansa, and Fazilka, where development is desperately needed. Instead, the government has chosen Ludhiana, a city already bursting at the seams, ” said a senior urban planner.
While the government claims the move is essential for economic expansion and job creation, opposition parties have labeled it as political opportunism. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, representing Ludhiana, has accused the AAP government of acting like “property dealers, ” alleging the decision was influenced by Delhi-based AAP leaders seeking to capitalize on Punjab’s prime real estate.
“The decision appears to prioritize real estate interests over long-term sustainability and public welfare, ” Bittu said, demanding a rollback of the acquisition plan.
However, the lack of a detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) or public consultation process has raised further questions about the transparency and feasibility of the plan.
As Ludhiana stands at the crossroads of rapid development and environmental vulnerability, the state government’s ambitious land acquisition plan is expected to face significant resistance from multiple quarters. With farmers, environmentalists, and political opponents sharpening their criticism, the coming weeks will determine whether the Mann-led government can push ahead or will be forced to revisit its controversial decision.