Farmers question land acquisition

In a move to establish a new Small Industries Estate in Gujrat, 405 acres of land located in Hajiwala, Santal and Surkian have been identified for the project.

The initiative comes following a meeting on July 1 of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation, attended by the Gujrat additional deputy commissioner of revenue, Gujranwala regional director of the corporation and revenue department staff.

The meeting resulted in the selection of suitable land for the estate and instructions to the Tehsildar and Patwari to commence paperwork for zoning and land acquisition.

However, elders and farmers from Hajiwala, Santal and Surkian are protesting against the proposed use of agricultural land for industrial purposes. They argue that the conversion of fertile land into an industrial estate threatens their livelihood and food security.

Previously, former federal minister Chaudhry Moonis Elahi had initiated the approval for the Industrial Estate Phase II on over 200 acres in Kunjah Mungowal. The land was acquired from farmers at low prices and later offered to industrialists and businessmen.

The project faced backlash, and federal minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain intervened during the caretaker government, returning the land to the farmers and promising to locate the estate on barren land.

Provincial Minister of Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain also explored alternatives, conducting surveys in areas like Malikpur Chahra, Sidhri, Tibba Bute Shah and surrounding localities.

Local farmers protested at the DC complex, urging the district leadership of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to intervene. The issue temporarily subsided but has resurfaced with the recent selection of new land.

According to the farmers, Gujrat's agricultural lands, known for producing wheat, rice, maize, and other crops, are considered vital for the region's food supply and economy.

Local leaders argue that the development of an industrial estate on such land is misguided and detrimental.

The farmers also demanded compensation for land acquired for the Sialkot-Khariyan-Islamabad Motorway, which has yet to be paid despite over two years passing since the project began.