The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Land acquisition: free hand for Collectors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 04, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Land acquisition: free hand for Collectors

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, DEC. 3. District Collectors have been authorised by the Government to enhance compensation by cent per cent of the market value where necessary for the lands likely to be submerged by irrigation projects.

But, in all normal cases, the Collectors will restrict the increase to 50 per cent or less depending on local conditions and status of the person losing his land. The Major Irrigation Minister, P. Lakshmaiah, announced this on the sidelines of the Collectors' conference here today.

It is estimated that three lakh acres of land will be submerged under various projects. Nearly Rs. 15,000 crores out of the total outlay of Rs. 46,000 crores for these projects will have to be spent on land acquisition.

Special officers

At present, about Rs. 6,000 crores has been earmarked for the purpose.

The Minister said five Special Collectors and 46 Deputy Collectors to work under them had been appointed for expediting the land acquisition process. Survey teams were also provided to them. Wherever these team were found insufficient to undertake the work, the officials were asked to engage private surveyors.

Mr. Lakshmaiah said the Government would ensure quicker disposal of cases by organising Lok Adalats and by giving "consent awards."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Andhra Pradesh