Verdicts round the corner,Noida Extn on edge

The verdict is of utmost importance as the status of land acquisition in eight villages,which covers major portion of Noida extension,will be decided. The fate of 17 projects in the area hangs in balance with villagers,taking a cue from the Supreme Court verdict on the Shahberi land issue,approaching the High court with similar complaints against state acquisition of their farm land .

On July 19,a judgment is expected in the case filed by Patwari village residents,while on July 20,residents of Roja and Yakubpur villages will know whether their land,acquired by the Greatert Noida authority,belongs to the farmers or not. On July 21,the villagers of Itehda,Haibatpur,Bisrakh,Jalalpur,Ghanola and Malcha would know if there are any chances of getting their land back. Ranbir Nagar,president,Gramin Kisan Morcha,a pro-farmer organisation,said nearly 17 projects would be affected majorly if the court rules in the favour of farmers.

“In Patwari village there are numerous real estate projects already underway. If we get our farm land back,we will ask the builders to leave,” said the farmer leader.

Similarly,building work is on in full swing in the villages of Roja,Yakubpur,Itehda,Haibatpur and Bisrakh.

Meanwhile,attempts by builders to negotiate with farmers by giving them enhanced compensation have not yielded much results.

“Builders who are trying to negotiate with us are those who fear their projects are in danger as we have moved court. If the court rules in our favour,(building projects at) Noida extension would collapse as we would like to have our land back,” Nagar added.

Talking to The Indian Express,CREDAI,national president,Lalit Jain said the government is responsible if builders and investors interest are hurt. “The judgment is awaited but I believe it is the government’s responsibility to uphold the faith developers have imposed in the government. Now,it is up to the state government to help maintain the Authority’s credibility,” said Jain.

Officials of Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority wish t remain tightlipped till the court order is out.

“We are awaiting the High court order as we would be able to react only after knowing what the court has ruled. We will abide by the court’s order,” said a senior official at the Authority.

On July 6, the Supreme Court set aside the land acquisition at Noida extension by the Greater Noida Authority,observing the Authority had exercised coloured power in acquiring land.