BDA told to pay relief to land losers in one go

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will be directed to make a one-time payment to farmers whose lands have been acquired by it to develop Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.

Replying to a question raised by Marithibbegowda in the Legislative Council, the CM said the decision to develop the  Layout was taken by the previous BJP government.

The BDA had initially identified 4,813 acres of land, but the government denotified 770 acres then. Now, 4043 acres of land is remaining, of which 1,679 acres have been acquired after final notification. A cash compensation of `401 crore has been paid till date, he noted.  Some farmers have moved court questioning the quantum of compensation and acquisition of their land. Some portion of land falls in the green belt, he said.

Siddaramaiah said the government recently invited tenders for the development of the Layout, but it was rejected as contractors have quoted 120 per cent over the standard rates.

The government has issued orders for retendering. Once the cases are settled in courts, the government will decide whether to give money or some percentage of the developed land for them.

On payment of compensation in instalment by the BDA, the CM said he will issue directions to the officials to make one-time payment to farmers without further delay.

Land returned

Six of the total 906 beneficiaries of ‘G’ category sites distributed by the BDA during the tenure of four Chief Ministers, have returned the sites for having more than one site and own house in the city.