After 8 years, GMADA to hold draw of lots

EIGHT LONG YEARS to wait 1000 for parcels of farmers in the 76 to 80, in exchange for the land come in late May with the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to decide to draw lots next month.

"After moving the farmers of Punjab and Haryana High Court recently, the court hearing today told us to reserve land for them until the final decision," said Vivek Pratap Singh, head of Executive Officer Director, GMADA. "We're going to set the date for the draw in a week," he said.

The GMADA had acquired a total of 1,300 acres of land in 2001 for the development of sectors.

While farmers in 3000 had accepted a monetary compensation, the rest required plots.

The GMADA had accepted the draw for plots of 200 square meters and 500 square meters, forcing farmers to knock on doors of the court.

DPBaidwan, president, Kisan Hit Bachao Committee, said 135 acres in dispute had come after the GMADA refused demand.The GMADA hesitates as plots of havecost more.

"We want to be part of development.

Why do not they give us land in the new sectors? For the last eight years, the issue was suspended fire.We not accept cash and at the end of our struggle only after the GMADA makes assigning plots to farmers, "he said.

Kalour Sucha Singh, President, Land Allocation Sangharsh Committee, said: "As assignees, we have the right first and foremost on the plots in these sectors."