Farmers protest low compensation for land acquisition for Godavari ghats

Nashik: Farmers in Trimbakeshwar town objected to the compensation rates for land acquired by govt for the construction of ghats along the Godavari river for Simhastha Kumbh Mela, and warned of a stronger agitation from Wednesday.The farmers said the compensation announced by the district administration was a paltry sum and that they would not accept it."The offered rates are so low that we will not be able to fetch a similar piece of land even on the outskirts of the city. Govt should give us a minimum of Rs 5 lakh per guntha," said Balasaheb Warunse, a farmer.They alleged that govt did not take them into confidence and announced the rates unilaterally. They said the administration offered excuses, but that did not justify acquiring land at a ‘dirt-cheap price'.According to a senior officer from the administration, "The said land is classified in the green belt, and hence the rates in the ready reckoner are low. Besides, there can be no development. Therefore, commercially too, they are less viable, and the demand for such land is low.""The rates were calculated on this basis, and the calculation was carried out with transparency," the officer added. He said since the land is in the town, it carries ‘Multiple 1' condition, meaning compensation is limited to the amount announced, with solatium of an additional 100% making it twice the amount. He added that in rural areas the multiple factor is ‘2', meaning the compensation value is double the price announced, and solatium of 100% made it four times the base value calculated for compensation."Who decides the land is in the green belt? Administration. Who decides the rate? Administration. Who suffers from such policies? Farmers. Why?" asked farmer Kisan Kothule.Igatpuri-Trimbakeshwar MLA Hiraman Khoskar met the agitating farmers and assured them he would take up the issue with the chief minister."We gave an ultimatum till Wednesday, before which govt should take the decision in the interest of the farmers, or the farmers will take extreme steps and govt will have to face the consequences," warned Kothule.Officials from the district administration said they would abide by govt orders for paying the compensation.