Srikakulam : Farmers whose lands have fruit bearing trees will get substantially enhanced compensation when acquired for various irrigation projects in the district, thanks to a GO, effective from April this year. The increase is such that the compensation may be more than the farmers' demand, according to the Joint Collector, M. Veerabrahmaiah.

Payment structure

According to the GO, the additional compensation for each mango tree , would range from Rs.1391.25 to Rs.2318.75. Lands with fruit bearing trees are classified into A, B and C categories. If there are 20 mango trees on a land earmarked for acquisition, the compensation might be enhanced by Rs.25,000. Similarly the additional compensation fixed for coconut trees, depending on the classification, ranged from Rs.1153.22 to Rs.1922.22 and for Acid lime (seedlings) Rs.759.32 to Rs.1265.534. Rates were fixed for varieties like Sweet orange (Rs.1288.44 for `A' category), Cashew (Rs.1225.37), Tamarind (Rs.2005.60), Amla (Rs.1830.22) and Oilpalm (Rs.1342.13)

Complete evaluation

According to officials there are nearly 76,000 trees on the lands to be acquired. Of this, 20,000 belonged to the horticulture sector and the remaining to the forest department and others. Mr. Veerabrahmaiah on Tuesday, instructed officials to complete classification and valuation of fruit bearing trees and structures on lands meant for acquisition expeditiously.

Progress delayed

In some cases payment of compensation had been pending for last several months for want of valuation of structures on the lands. "We are ready for payment, you have to complete the procedure," he told officials who included departmental heads from Irrigation and Land Acquisition Officers for four units in the district. He said the land required for construction reservoirs at Singidi, Parapuram and Heeramandalam and canals had been acquired and agencies could begin work.

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