Punjab plans ownership rights for 800 acres of surplus land in Nangal

Chandigarh: The Punjab government will confer ownership rights on shopkeepers and residents occupying over 800 acres of surplus land in Nangal, Talwara and adjoining townships, education minister and Sri Anandpur Sahib MLA Harjot Singh Bains said on Sunday.Bains said the water resources department has issued a formal communication to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), asserting that the surplus land belongs to the state.The move is expected to end decades of uncertainty for thousands of families living on the land.The minister alleged that BBMB, which was set up to operate dam projects, had over the years acted beyond its mandate in dealing with such properties.He said the government is framing a policy to grant ownership rights to existing occupants, who will be required to pay charges as per applicable stamp duty.Bains added that the land was originally acquired from local residents for dam projects and that surplus land should revert to the state after completion of such projects.He also said a site has been identified for a new judicial complex in Nangal.