In a significant development for a long-pending infrastructure project, the land acquisition survey for a crucial stretch of the Nagpur-Ratnagiri Highway in Maharashtra's Kolhapur district has been completed in a remarkable six days. This swift action came immediately after the state government approved a crucial decision to pay affected farmers four times the compensation for their land.
A Swift Resolution After a Two-Year Struggle
The survey for the Ankali-Chokak section of the highway had been a point of contention for nearly two years. Initially, due to a delay in issuing the necessary notification for the road, authorities had decided to offer only twice the compensation amount to landowners and farmers. This proposal was met with strong opposition from the farming community, who felt the compensation was inadequate for their loss of livelihood and land.
After sustained protests and negotiations, the state government finally took a decisive step a week ago. It overturned the earlier decision and sanctioned a payment of four times the compensation to those affected by the highway project. This move was aimed at resolving the deadlock and accelerating the vital infrastructure work.
Administrative Mobilization Ensures Rapid Survey
Following the government's green signal, the district administration sprang into action. District Collector Amol Yedge issued orders mandating the completion of the land survey within a tight deadline of six days. To achieve this ambitious target, the administration deployed a total of fourteen survey teams across the affected regions.
Seven teams were operational in Hatkanangale taluka, and another seven worked in Shirol taluka, meticulously measuring and documenting the land to be acquired. Their concerted efforts paid off, and the comprehensive survey was successfully concluded within the stipulated timeframe. The exact figures regarding the total area acquired and the number of farmers impacted are now being compiled.
Next Steps: Report Submission and Compensation Disbursement
With the field survey complete, the focus now shifts to the administrative process. Jaydeep Shitole, the Deputy Superintendent of the Land Records Department, confirmed that a detailed report is being prepared. This document will contain vital information, including:
- The total area of land acquired for the highway stretch.
- The exact number of farmers and landowners affected.
- Details of all account holders eligible for compensation.
This report is scheduled to be submitted within a week to the competent authorities, which include the Highway Authority and the Land Acquisition Department. "Accordingly, orders will be issued, and compensation will be paid," stated Shitole, outlining the clear roadmap ahead.
The resolution of this impasse marks a critical milestone for the Nagpur-Ratnagiri Highway, a project of immense economic importance for the region. The government's revised compensation policy and the administration's efficient execution of the survey have paved the way for the project to move forward, balancing infrastructure development with fair compensation for affected citizens.
