In a significant shift, Chandigarh's hopes for a land pooling policy have been reignited after UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria expressed his intent to pursue the model for the city's peripheral villages. This comes less than three months after the Union Government categorically stated that no such policy was under consideration.
A Reversal of Stance Renews Optimism
The renewed possibility emerged during a recent Municipal Corporation General House meeting. Responding to demands from councillors on December 30, Kataria agreed with their suggestion, stating, "I also agree with your suggestion on land pooling." His remarks were met with enthusiastic approval from the councillors present.
This marks a pivotal change from the position conveyed by the Centre in August 2025. Back then, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai had clarified that the Chandigarh Administration had not formulated nor was considering any land pooling policy.
Promises of Developed Plots or Substantial Compensation
Outlining the potential benefits, Administrator Kataria assured that landowners preferring developed land would be allotted the same under the proposed policy. He also provided a significant assurance for an alternative, stating that even if the policy does not materialize, the administration would offer compensation so substantial that "it cannot be refused."
This announcement has directly addressed the long-standing demand of landowners in 22 peripheral villages of Chandigarh, who have sought a policy similar to those implemented in neighbouring Punjab and Haryana.
Addressing Complexities and Past Challenges
While endorsing the idea, Kataria also cautioned about practical obstacles. He pointed out complexities such as situations where the legal owner of a land parcel is different from the person in possession, questioning how such land could be vacated for the policy even if the owner consents.
Advocates like nominated councillor and Chandigarh Pendu Vikas Manch president Satinder Pal Singh Sidhu argue that a robust land pooling policy is the only solution for proper development on Chandigarh's periphery. It would, they claim, curb illegal plotting and construction. Sidhu recalled that the last land acquisition occurred in 2016 for a road project in Dhanas and Dadumajra. He also noted that in 2024, many farmers refused to give land for the Airport Road, demanding a land pooling policy instead.
The Model and Its Implications
The land pooling model involves landowners surrendering their agricultural plots to the government for planned urban expansion and infrastructure development. In return, instead of only cash compensation, they receive a portion of the developed land after roads, utilities, and public spaces are created. This model is praised for ensuring equitable development, minimizing forced displacement, and reducing litigation over compensation. However, critics warn that without proper safeguards, it could disproportionately benefit developers.
Local leaders, including Mayor Harpreet Kaur Babla, have expressed renewed hope following Kataria's statements. Babla confirmed raising the issue before the UT Advisory Council and meeting the Governor multiple times, highlighting it as a collective demand. The push now is for the administration to implement a policy aligned with Chandigarh's Master Plan for 2031, potentially transforming the development trajectory of the region's outskirts.
