NEW DELHI (TIP): In an attempt to placate the belligerent opposition over the contentious land bill, the government is weighing the option of incorporating new provisions to protect agricultural land.

According to indications, the changes could include largely exempting acquisition of irrigated multi-cropped land for developing industrial corridors or industrial hubs, building dams etc.

Sources said the government is in favour of acquisition of such land only in ‘extreme conditions’ and for building roads and railway projects.

The government is not keen for many changes, which would send a signal that the Modi administration is on the back foot, but few amendments may be proposed for better protection of farmland and land owners.

A big change could be about the industrial corridors, an issue that has generated much heat and opposition from Congress.

The land bill provides for acquisition of one km of land on both sides of the designated railway lines or roads, with the taking over of land exempted from provisions of consent and social impact assessment.