The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Stage being set for taking over contentious land

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 17, 2006
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Stage being set for taking over contentious land

T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI: The stage is being set for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take possession of the site housing the marriage hall owned by Premalatha, wife of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam founder Vijayakant, at Koyambedu with revenue authorities passing an award for compensation.

The land in question is required for the construction of a grade separator at the Koyambedu junction. Two grade separators in Kathipara and Padi and a flyover in Meenambakkam are, among others, being built as part of the NHAI's project. On December 8, the revenue officer concerned issued an order, awarding around Rs.8.55 crore as compensation to Mrs Premalatha.

A communication to this effect was sent to her early this week. She had been requested to come to the Revenue Divisional Office, Kancheepuram, on December 18 and receive the compensation by producing original title deeds.

The mode of payment would be demand draft. So far, the revenue officials had not received any word from her, a source said.

Even prior to this development, the move to acquire the land (wherein the marriage hall is located) became contentious.

"No political motive"

Last month, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu, [under whose control lies the NHAI] denied the charge that there was a political motive behind the move.

One hundred and sixty four other buildings would be brought down for the construction of the proposed facility. Though Mr. Vijayakant Vijayakant had submitted a revised plan, it was rejected as it did not have a provision for right turn for movement of vehicles. The Minister contended that the project followed the codes set by the Indian Road Congress.

The revenue officials said the December 8 award covered about 20 other owners, whose lands were required for the Koyambedu grade separator and widening of the road from Koyambedu to Maduravoyal.

The total value of the compensation awarded last week was around Rs. 23 crore.

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

Tamil Nadu