New Delhi: The government of India has addressed concerns over land acquisition for the Srinagar Ring Road project, which spans over 600 acres and has faced criticism for outdated compensation methods. The clarification came in response to a Lok Sabha query by Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi.
Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the Minister for Road Transport and Highways, explained that land acquisition for Phases 2 and 2A is being carried out under the National Highways (NH) Act, 1956, with compensation based on the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013. However, for Phase 1, acquisitions conducted in 2017-18 adhered to the now-repealed Jammu and Kashmir Land Acquisition Act, 1934, as it was the applicable legal framework then.
Concerns were also raised regarding compensation for fruit-bearing trees being calculated using outdated 1996 rates. Gadkari clarified that compensation for assets like trees, structures, and tube wells is determined by the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) based on guidelines from local horticulture departments.
Addressing allegations of unauthorised tree uprooting in villages like Wathoora and Gudsathoo in Budgam District, Gadkari stated that compensation awards for both land and assets have been issued, while payments for disputed cases have been deposited in district courts to ensure legal compliance.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to fair compensation and adherence to applicable laws, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) continues acquiring land for the project.
