YEIDA to disburse hiked compensation to 340 farmers after decade-long wait

Noida: In a move aimed at resolving long-pending demands of farmers, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has decided to disburse enhanced compensation to nearly 340 farmers who had given land for the Yamuna Expressway project more than a decade ago.The farmers, whose land was acquired for the 165-km Yamuna Expressway connecting Greater Noida and Agra, had been demanding additional compensation in line with court orders. The enhanced payout will also cover land acquired for interchanges, service roads and other facilities developed along the expressway.Officials said the additional amount — 64.7% of the original compensation — has to be paid by the allottee, Jaypee Infra, following court directions.“Yamuna Authority was making continuous efforts for this. Jaypee Infra has given about Rs 53 crore to the Yamuna Authority. The money will be disbursed to 340 farmers from the villages of Jaganpur Afzalpur, Dankaur, Nilauni Shahpur, Mirzapur, Salarpur and Achheja Bujurg,” YEIDA additional CEO Rajesh Kumar said.He added that the list of beneficiaries has already been published. “If anyone has an objection, they can register it. After that, compensation will be distributed village-wise. A total Rs 591 crore is to be given to farmers who gave land for the Yamuna Expressway. The next instalment will also be disbursed soon,” Kumar said.The Uttar Pradesh govt had established YEIDA on April 24, 2001, for the planned development of areas between Greater Noida and Agra, with the objective of promoting industrial growth, generating employment and developing urban infrastructure. Nearly 2 lakh hectares spread across 1,187 villages in six districts — Gautam Budh Nagar, Bulandshahar, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura and Agra — were notified under the authority’s jurisdiction.In 2011, the Allahabad High Court directed the state govt to grant farmers an additional 64.7 per cent compensation for acquired land.