The proposed doubling of the 177-kilometer railway track between Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Parbhani has triggered significant concern among local residents, with approximately 2,924 properties in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district identified for land acquisition. The plan has drawn sharp criticism from affected communities who question the one-sided nature of the acquisition and previous permissions granted for development.
Unequal Land Acquisition Sparks Public Outcry
Official records indicate that more than 900 properties within the municipal limits of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar are among those earmarked for acquisition. What has particularly angered residents is the apparent inequality in the acquisition process. The gazette notification specifically mentions acquiring properties only on the south side of the existing railway track, completely excluding the north side from the acquisition plan.
Affected residents have raised fundamental questions about this selective approach. Prashant Awsarmal, one of the representatives speaking for the impacted community, emphasized this point strongly. "The gazette notification mentions the acquisition of properties only on the south side, leaving out the north side. Ideally, land should be acquired on both sides of the track to serve natural justice to people living in these areas," Awsarmal stated.
Contradictory Permissions and Development Approvals
Residents have identified another troubling aspect of the situation. Many property owners had recently obtained No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from both the Indian Railway authorities and the local municipal corporation for developing their properties. This approval came despite the fact that railway officials were apparently already considering the track doubling project that would require the same land.
In a formal memorandum submitted to the district administration, affected residents argued that such extensive land acquisition is unnecessary. They maintain that sufficient land already exists on either side of the current track to accommodate the doubling project without displacing thousands of property owners.
Ganesh Palve, another resident facing potential displacement, issued a clear warning to authorities. "There are pressing questions from the side of affected citizens that need to be answered by authorities. We will resort to agitation if no official attention is paid to our queries," Palve declared.
Compensation Concerns and Official Response
The uncertainty surrounding compensation has added to residents' anxieties. Property holders are demanding clear guidelines on how compensation will be calculated for various types of affected assets. This includes everything from barren land plots to multi-storey constructed buildings, solar energy systems, common amenities like lifts and sewage treatment plants, parking facilities, and even trees within the premises.
When approached for comments, South Central Railway authorities directed all inquiries to the district deputy collector handling land acquisition matters. Railway officials confirmed that established procedures would be followed throughout the process and encouraged citizens to submit their objections in writing. "We will address every query and doubt of citizens to their satisfaction," assured railway representatives.
The publication of the gazette notification has created widespread panic among property holders along the entire railway route, which passes through numerous areas within the municipal limits and outskirts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The situation remains tense as residents await clearer communication from authorities regarding their future.
