Farmers dig up paver blocks, obstruct road construction

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 20

Officials of Public Works Department (PWD)-Bridges and Roads (B&R) were taken aback as farmers today obstructed the construction work on the Landran-Lakhnaur road by digging up paver blocks at a portion of the stretch alleging non-payment of compensation.

After receiving information regarding seizure of the land by farmers department officials along with the Sohana police force and SDM Jagdeep Singh Shergill of the concerned area rushed to the spot.

Farmers including Ranjit Kaur and Sukhwant Singh, supported by Chet Singh, Didar Singh, Amarjit Singh, Gurjit Singh and Satnam Singhhad, dug up four feet wide portion of the road under repair. However, the work was later resumed after assurance from Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Charandev Singh Mann.

The farmers, Ranjit Kaur and Sukhwant Singh, alleged that the PWD-B&R had announced award of compensation for the 19-feet road to be acquired for widening. They said the department on Wednesday started occupying the 23-feet wide road, which was four feet more, for which the compensation had not been paid to them.

The Deputy Commissioner, Mohali, Gurpreet Kaur Sapra, said, “ADC Charandev Singh Mann has been directed to have a dialogue with farmers. As per information received the matter has been sorted out. We have directed officials of the PWD-B&R to continue repair work leaving portion of the road under question.”

“We have assured farmers that compensation for the extra land, which is being acquired above 19 feet will be paid soon. Earlier, 19-feet of land was acquired, but the department laid paver blocks on the 23-feet wide road, which was objected to by two farmers,” said ADC Mann.

However, other 40 farmers had already given their consent for the repair of 23-feet wide portion of the road, he added.