Ensure minimum displacement in Punjab, Badal tells Centre

Chandigarh, June 23 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked Union Road Transport and Highway and Shipping Minister T R Baalu to ensure that there was minimum displacement of people in the process of widening of road network in Punjab. Mr Badal made a particular reference to the widening of the National Highway passing through Zirakpur and asked that outer limit for widening of that road be pegged at the original 40 meters instead of 45 meters, an official release said here.

The Chief Minister pointed out that even Detailed Project Report(DPR) of this project envisaged that 40-meter right of way would suffice.

Mr Badal pointed out that area in question in Zirakpur had dense population on either side of the Road with multi-storeyed commercial and residential buildings lining the highway.

He also said that cost in term of displacement of the population would be incalculable and could be avoided even while meeting the overall objectives of the modern road infrastructure.

Seeking an early decision in this regard, the Chief Minister pointed out that after resolution of this crucial issue, the State Government would be able to assist in land acquisition process promptly without resistance or legal challenge by the affected persons.

The Union Minister assured Chief Minister that he would send a team of officers and experts to the spot and thereafter take an early decision on their report.

UNI