CM Mann said, "The state government has been proactively supporting the NHAI in land acquisition and other related matters."

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann replied to the letter from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday regarding National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects. 

The Chief Minister said that the state government has been proactively supporting the NHAI in land acquisition and other related matters. 

The CM further said, “In both cases referred to by you, the local police promptly registered the FIRs under relevant provisions of law. Further, in both these cases, arrests have been made.” 

Regarding the land acquisition issues, the CM stated, “You must appreciate that the state’s farmers are deeply attached to their land, which is their prized possession and main source of livelihood. Moreover, land prices in Punjab are high. Our farmers are reluctant to part with their lands if they feel that the compensation is not adequate." 

"However, there are several cases in which farmers were satisfied with the awards given by the arbitrators and were willing to hand over their lands to NHAI at the awarded rates," he added.