TNHB planning fresh compensation for Thirumazhisai Satellite Township scheme

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The row over acquisition of land for Thirumazhisai Satellite Township scheme continues even as Tamil Nadu Housing Board is planning to enhance the compensation for ex-landowners if they come forward to withdraw the court cases against land acquisition.

The scheme, which was to come up in 311.05 acres of land has been hit by row over land acquisition as several of the ex-landowners have approached the court citing loss of livelihood. The state government proposes to construct 12,000 dwelling units at an estimated cost of Rs 2,160 crore.

Sources told Express that about 156.07 acres of land is facing court cases by landowners and TNHB is planning enhanced compensation at the rate of Rs 6,000 per cent with interest up-to-date to the land owners who come forward to withdraw the court cases filed against land acquisition. Interestingly, TNHB will also provide the same package to landowners who have given their land but not filed any cases.

Sources also said TNHB has also come out with a compensation package that shares the benefits of the project with the landowners. As per the scheme 2400 sq.ft of developed plot would be given as part compensation to the family from whom three to five acres of land was acquired. The family from whom one to 2.99 acres of land was acquired would get 1200 sq feet of developed plot besides those who gave 25 to 99 cents would get 800 square feet of developed plot.

The government is also planning to issue priority certificate for getting employment to an eligible person in the family of those who lost their livelihood due to acquisition of land, sources said.

There are also plans to consider allotment of flat in the scheme on priority basis to the family from whom land was acquired. It is believed the prevailing market value of the land is Rs 80 lakh per acre and TNHB officials are hopeful farmers would be agreeable for a reasonable compensation package

Sources said action is being taken to acquire 12.87 acres of patta lands through private negotiation with land owners. “Acquisition proposal for 12.87 acres of private land has been initiated, since   land owners have demanded huge amount of Rs three crore per acre during direct negotiation with land owners for purchase.

Sources also said the alienation proposal and enter upon permission for 12.65 acres for approach road  is with government since it involves water course and poramboke land.

The proposal to build the satellite township came into being in 1998 when Tamil Nadu Housing Board proposed to acquire 1694.98 acres of patta lands in Vellavedu, Kuthambakkam, Narasingapuram, Chembarambakkam, Parvatharajapuram villages of  Poonamallee Taluk in Thiruvalllur District. The move was opposed by the villagers and as many as 60 petitions are pending in the fast track court in Poonamalee seeking higher compensation.