India, Aug. 14 -- Three days after the urban development department announced it was withdrawing the land-pooling policy, the Punjab cabinet on Thursday formally denotified the controversial policy.

This was announced after the cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister Bhagwant Mann, in Chandigarh.

On August 11, following stiff opposition from farmers and political parties, the government announced it was withdrawing the policy. The formal withdrawal was done today as it required the cabinet's approval.

"The government hereby withdraws the land-pooling policy dated May 14 and its subsequent amendments," principal secretary, housing, Vikas Garg stated in the order August 11. "Consequently, all actions, such as letters of intent issued,...