At present, farmers can access land located beyond the fence only during fixed hours determined by the force.
Punjab Border Fencing Shift: Centre Orders Survey in 6 Districts to Improve Farmers’ Access
Punjab’s border districts may soon see a major change in how agricultural land is accessed, with the Centre initiating steps to shift fencing closer to the international boundary. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said the move could bring lakhs of acres within the fenced area, allowing farmers to cultivate without time restrictions.
Punjab shares a 553-kilometre-long border with Pakistan, which is guarded by the Border Security Force. At present, farmers can access land located beyond the fence only during fixed hours determined by the force.
To begin the process, the Ministry of Home Affairs has written to deputy commissioners in Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Fazilka, directing them to conduct a social impact survey. Sub-divisional magistrates are expected to carry out the exercise in the coming days to assess the implications for residents.
The proposal is currently under assessment, and further steps will depend on the outcome of the survey, official sources indicated.
