Mann blames NHAI for land acquisition issues in Punjab

CHANDIGARH: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday blamed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for land acquisition issues in Punjab in his response to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari who had warned that the Centre would terminate eight highway projects worth Rs 14,288 crore running through the state.

On the issue of threats to NHAI officials and contractors, Mann said FIRs had been registered but during investigation it came to light that one case was due to overexcavation of land by the NHAI concessionaire and the other was the result of non-payment of financial dues by the concessionaire to the sub-contractor.

“Detailed report of Special DGP (Law and Order) is enclosed herewith. Local police has been directed to deploy patrolling teams in the area to maintain law and order,’’ he said in the letter.