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‘Will pay compensation to Farmers’: Government defends land acquisition for road project in Kashmir

By News Desk

November 29, 2024

The Government of India has clarified concerns over compensation and land acquisition for the Srinagar Ring Road project, which spans over 600 acres.

Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, had raised several concerns regarding the ongoing land acquisition process for the Srinagar Ring Road project, which involves over 600 acres of land.

In his query to the government, he highlighted grievances arising from compensation being calculated under the outdated Jammu and Kashmir Land Acquisition Act, 1934, which has since been repealed.

Aga sought clarification on why the repealed laws were used for compensation in certain phases of the project.

He also pointed out that compensation for fruit-bearing trees was being calculated based on rates from 1996, which are significantly below current market values.

This, he argued, has resulted in payments far lower than what affected farmers deserve. Aga questioned the steps being taken to address this disparity and ensure that compensation reflects present-day market conditions.

Furthermore, he urged the government to clarify whether the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, would be applied to provide fair compensation to affected farmers.

He requested details of any plans to implement this more modern framework for the project.

Aga also raised concerns over reports of unauthorized uprooting of fruit trees in villages such as Wathoora and Gudsathoo in Budgam district.

He called on the government to outline the measures being taken to prevent such incidents and ensure proper compensation for affected farmers in these areas.

Responding to a query raised by Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, addressed criticism of outdated compensation practices and the legal framework used for different phases of the project.

Gadkari stated that land acquisition for Phases 2 and 2A is being carried out under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013.

However, for Phase 1, conducted in 2017-18, compensation was determined under the now-repealed Jammu and Kashmir Land Acquisition Act, 1934, which was applicable at that time.

Concerns were also raised about compensation for fruit-bearing trees being calculated based on 1996 rates. Gadkari clarified that the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) assesses compensation for assets such as trees, structures, and tube wells based on guidelines provided by local horticulture officials.

Addressing allegations of unauthorized uprooting of trees in villages like Wathoora and Gudsathoo in Budgam district, Gadkari stated that compensation awards for land and assets have been issued.

He added that funds for disputed cases have been deposited with the district court to ensure legal compliance.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to fair compensation and adherence to legal frameworks as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) progresses with the project.