Reform land policy, build affordable units & save farmland

Government-Private sector collaboration

In a land-scarce state like Punjab, the government’s land pooling policy cannot be justified, even if it ensures cent-percent voluntary participation from landowners, eliminates forced acquisitions and claims to protect farmers’ rights. The famous dictum, “haste makes waste,” is most appropriate in this context. Before considering the proposed policy, the best solution would have been to conduct a comprehensive survey of the current status of vacant plots and areas in existing approved colonies in the cities. The owners of numerous vacant plots or areas should be made liable to pay property tax and development charges. This would help address the underutilisation of land within these colonies. Basic amenities such as water supply, roads, sewerage systems and electricity connections should be properly provided in these existing colonies. Affordable housing options must be developed in areas where there is a dire need. Mixed-use developments combining residential, commercial and public spaces should be encouraged to manage the growing land demand effectively. Moreover, the government should collaborate with the private sector to facilitate innovation, secure funding, and utilise expertise in developing smart infrastructure. This includes the digitisation of public utilities, which is crucial for building sustainable cities.

Dr Kulwant Singh Phull

Affordable housing plan required

The state government’s recent move to acquire land for urban housing projects has faced considerable opposition, particularly from landowners and the farming community. In Punjab, there has been a long-standing lack of development in building planned housing infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for affordable housing units among urban dwellers. Given these dual challenges, the government must adopt a balanced approach that optimises the limited land resources while maximising the capacity for dwelling units. To achieve this, self-sustaining multi-storied housing complexes with modern facilities should be constructed on city peripheries. The size of these apartments should be based on the income affordability of genuine applicants, with clear discouragement to those seeking properties solely as investment opportunities. Essential infrastructure, including parking, recreational and sports facilities and shopping areas, should be provided at reasonable charges. These housing complexes must also ensure an environment-friendly ambiance with adequate green cover. Most importantly, such complexes should be equipped with self-sustaining infrastructure, such as rainwater harvesting and solar energy systems, to meet the local needs of all residents.

Jagdish Chander

Urban growth versus agriculture

Punjab was once known as the land of five rivers during the pre-Partition period. Now, only three rivers pass through its fertile land. With population explosion, declining agricultural land area and fertile land either abandoned due to express highways or converted into residential and commercial areas, the situation is becoming critical. Builders are actively constructing new flats and commercial properties, raising concerns about how long this trend can continue. The Punjab Government has proposed that beneficiaries of acquired land will receive compensation in the form of funds and commercial/residential plots. However, the constant reduction in fertile agricultural land raises a serious concern. If the population continues to grow at the current rate, Punjab may soon lose its position among the top agricultural-producing states. Builders are succeeding in their push to construct multi-storey buildings, while opposition parties remain critical of these new urban development proposals. The government must ensure that compensation is allocated to beneficiaries according to the revenue records from 2022 onwards. It should prioritise building new townships in areas with less fertile land, especially since skyrocketing land prices have made it difficult for common and middle-class families to purchase property. While urban expansion is necessary to balance demand and supply of plots and flats, the government must reserve some land for maintaining environmental integrity, keeping pollution under control and preserving ecological balance. Lastly, the government should frame a policy to ensure equal and balanced expansion of urban areas within cities. This will help keep property prices in check for those looking to buy flats, houses, or plots.

Rajat Kumar Mohindru

Adopt Sustainable Models

Models followed by many progressive countries show us that sustainable means of development can successfully be adopted to beautify cities without compromising the green cover of urban spaces. The lack of intent to adopt these progressive models is the key cause of chaotic urban development in city areas of India. The existing city infrastructure and many of the development projects have already rendered many formerly green areas of the district into an eyesore. The government should work on improving and setting right these spaces first, before moving on to other bigger projects which may cause a huge mess.

Prabhgundeep Kaur

Balance urban expansion carefully

Newer areas being taken in for urban expansion is imperative amidst the population explosion we are faced with. However, what is bothersome is not the project, but the way in which it will be implemented. Trees are the lungs of the city and farms are the region’s food givers—not just for Punjab but for the country. The delicate balance between forested, agrarian, and urban land must not be skewed any more than it already is. Also, for future projects, farmers must be co-opted and their responses too, sought for a project of such proportions.

Saloni Mishra

Include farmers’ voices

The Punjab farmer’s well-being is the backbone of Punjab, and the state’s prosperity is also hugely dependent on the agrarian population of the state. Such a huge undertaking requires farmers being taken aboard the project and seeking their opinions regarding the same. Before such a massive initiative, research must also be conducted to study the long-term impacts of such an initiative on the region where it is being implemented. There are so many huge monoliths and abandoned buildings strewn around in our urban landscapes—which are either abandoned or disputed projects just eating dust. Rather than disturbing an area already established and under use by a certain populace, the government can also put into use those unused structures, some of which can support huge residential colonies, apartments, or big projects.

Neha Khurana

Protect groundwater depletion

While acquiring new rural areas displaces a population, on the other hand, it requires mammoth expenses to establish brand-new infrastructure in a completely new area. Displacements from other former areas still continue to be the subject of court cases, protests, and public outcry among the local populace. Despite the complete disasters that some of the former projects have turned out to be, it is perplexing when governments keep walking into such mistakes in the future. Steps are necessary for authorities to ensure that future projects do not invite large-scale dissent, are focused on maintaining a limited carbon footprint, do not deplete groundwater in newer areas and above all, ensure the satisfaction of the people being resettled.

Ashwani Kumar

Prioritise environment protection

Environmental protection often appears to be a low priority for authorities. In many cases, development and infrastructure improvements come at the cost of ecological degradation. This approach is unsustainable. Before any project begins, thorough planning must ensure that the environment is preserved and not treated as an afterthought. Without genuine efforts to minimise environmental harm, future development and urban expansion will likely face resistance and lose public support.

Radhika Sharma

Sustainable and inclusive growth

Expansion must strike a balance between sustainability and community well-being. As cities grow, it is essential for governments to adopt smart planning strategies that prioritise both environmental health and social equity. Before acquiring land for development, authorities must engage with local communities, ensuring transparency and trust. Residents should be fully informed about how the land will be used and what can they expect, such as improved infrastructure, affordable housing, etc. Sustainable practices like green energy integration, and accessible public transit should guide urban planning to reduce environmental impact. Ultimately, successful urban development depends on inclusive, forward-thinking policies that respect local needs while building resilient, livable cities for future generations.

Aakashdeep

Livable and healthy cities

Urban expansion requires balancing sustainability with community benefits to create livable cities. The government should design pedestrian-friendly infrastructure like sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenways—to reduce car dependency and promote healthier lifestyles. It is very important that the development should meet local needs and for that the trust of people must be gained. Otherwise the real purpose will not get solved.

Ankit Kumar

Jalandhar