The association has alleged that the administration was acting in an arbitrary manner by ignoring the National Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, which has become operational throughout the country from October 31, 2007.

In a press release issued today, HS Johl, a farmer, alleged that the Chandigarh Administration has already acquired around 400 acres of land for RGCTP Phase-I and II, out of which not more than 20 per cent has been utilised in the last four years.

Acquisition of additional 272 acres of land for Phase-III of RGCTP tantamounts to malafide intentions of certain vested interests in the Administration, the release stated.

Around 272 acres of land is being acquired at Rs 30 lakh per acre but the market value of the land is not less than Rs 15 crore per acre, it has been said in the release.

Ridiculing the claims of administration that the R&R policy applies to projects, wherein 400 or more families en masse are affected, the farmers quoted Chapter V of the policy, which reads as “Provided further that in case of project involving involuntary displacement of less than 400 families en masse in plain areas. Adequate administrative arrangements shall be made by appropriate government for the rehabilitation and resettlement of affected families as per this policy”.