VARUN CHADHA

JHURHERI VILLAGE (MOHALI), APRIL 27:The celebrations began on Saturday afternoon, and in homes where champagne was only something they saw on screens, the bubbly hasn’t stopped flowing.

Some got up in the middle of the night to reassure themselves that their fortunes had indeed changed, others have locked away their bounty in almirahs. It’s all starting to just sink in here at this village, where overnight, around 175 farmers have turned into millionaires.

They received cheques worth between Rs 4 and Rs 10 crore from the Land Acquisition Officer on Saturday afternoon as compensation for their lands which were acquired by the Government for extending the Chandigarh international airport. The offer of Rs 1.5 crore per acre is considered the highest ever in the country.

Among those celebrating is 70-year-old Balkishen, cradling a Rs 10-crore cheque, who incidentally saw his wheat crop suffer major damage this year. “I invited my relatives to rejoice and celebrated with champagne. We had never tasted champagne before and therefore did not know how to open the bottle. My son tried to open the cork the way they show in films,” said Miha Singh, who received a cheque worth Rs 4.10 crore.

Even Hukm Singh, with half an acre of land, has received a compensation of Rs 46 lakh. Many like him who were finding it hard to survive on small chunks of land have now received substantial amounts and hope to start life afresh. Already, estate agents have started visiting the villagers to offer them new pieces of land for sale.

“They took me in their car to villages near Patiala. Two came in the evening with offers,” said Gurnaib Singh.

LAO Rajinder Kaur Khaira said 222 farmers were entitled for compensation and they are disbursing an amount of Rs 360 crore.

editor@expressindia.com

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