New collector’s work to kick off with SEZ talks

With the land acquisition notices issued,the collector Vikas Deshmukh will finalise negotiations for the price of land to be given to 9,000 farmers.

MIDC CEO Dr K Shivaji told Newsline on Friday that negotiations should take place next week once the collector takes charge. “We are through with the second phase and are ready with rate negotiations,” he said.

According to MIDC regional officer Nilesh Gatne,phase two will see acquisition of 1,657 hectares from seven villages in Khed and Shirur talukas. “Pur,Chaudharwadi,Gosasi,Wapgaon,Retawadi,Warude from Khed and Pabal from Shirur will have land up for acquisition for the SEZ,” said Gatne.

In phase one,1,705 hectares were acquired and handed over to the company from four villages; Kanersar,Nimgaon,Dhavadi and Kendur. The acquisiton saw clearance of Rs 212 crore for the first phase as rehabilitation package.

Even as rate negotiations are on,the offer was Rs 17 lakh for a hectare three years back. Residents from the area said it was too less as rates have shot up. Bhima Shinde from Khed taluka,one of the affected farmers,hopes to get better rates. “We expect the market rate as it is almost three years since the acquisition in the first phase,” he said.

Sumantai Shinde of Pabal hopes her son is imparted technical education,from what was promised for Phase-I. “Besides a good amount I am hoping for a good future for my son,” says Shinde.

About 1,700 hectares will have to be acquired from villagers,in the second phase,besides 200 hectares of government land.

Under the package worked out by MIDC in the first phase,a farmer got Rs 17 lakh per hectare and additional sops such as guaranteed employment to one person from every project-affected family and a buyback option for farmers up to 15 per cent of the developed land after paying the original cost of the land plus an additional 50 per cent.

Those who lost their houses got 375 sq ft of built-up area on 3,000 acres of land in a new housing colony and Rs 10,000 for shifting their house. Landless labourers too benefited with the package offering Rs 65 per person per family for 600 days.