DW BUREAU / Chandigarh

Punjab Public Works and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO held a meeting with Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and District Revenue Officers (DROs) from across the state to review the status of land acquisition for National Highways.

The PWD Minister along with Secretary PWD Priyank Bharti, Chief Engineer, National Highways, Punjab PWD (B & R) J.S.Tung and RO NHAI, Chandigarh, Vipnesh Sharma reviewed the progress of ongoing projects and discussed strategies to overcome challenges in land acquisition during the meeting that lasted for more than three hours.

Cabinet Minister ETO emphasized the importance of expediting the land acquisition process to ensure timely completion of National Highway projects. He directed the SDMs to resolve any pending issues and ensure that landowners receive fair compensation. He mentioned that this review meeting would serve as the benchmark for performance evaluations in the upcoming meeting, which will be convened shortly.

The cabinet minister also appreciated the performance of officers who have achieved zero pendency in land acquisition, recognizing their dedication and commitment to efficient project execution. He encouraged other officers to follow their lead and strive for similar excellence.

Meanwhile, the SDMs and DROs apprised the Minister regarding the current status and ongoing procedures of disbursement of reward money, and efforts to convince landowners to give possession of their land for National Highway projects wherever required. They shared updates on their efforts to engage with landowners by holding camps in villages, meeting one on one with landowners to address their concerns, and facilitating the acquisition process.

Concluding the meeting, PWD Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that the Punjab government, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, remains steadfast in its commitment to accelerating infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity through the National Highways.
(editor@dailyworld.in)