High-voltage compensation for Rajpura thermal plant

Sources said the committee formed under Patiala Deputy Commissioner Vikas Garg for awarding compensation for 1,078 acres has given its final report to the government. The committee has recommended Rs 40 lakh per acre, which would include Rs 34.5 lakh per acre as compensation and rest as displacement and employment allowance.

The compensation will have a binding, whereby farmers will not be allowed to move court for higher award. The Revenue Department has issued notices for acquisition of land in seven villages, including Nalas Kalan, Nalas Khurd, Rangia and Sadhraur.

“The report was submitted to the Power and Irrigation Department, which forwarded it to the Chief Secretary. Now, it is lying with the Chief Minister, who has to give the final nod. Then, the file will be placed before the cabinet,” said an officer. The last day of receiving bids for the 1,320-MW thermal plant is November 14.

Meanwhile, 2,432 acres have been identified along NH-15 on the Bathinda-Abohar road, near Gidderbaha in Muktsar district, for 2,460-MW Gidderbaha thermal power plant.

The site study contract has been finalised and the Irrigation Department has started the process for water allocation. The application for long-term coal linkage has been made and Railways has given clearance for transportation.

The state government had also acquired 2,100 acres for the 1,980-MW Talwandi Sabo plant at the rate of Rs 16.5 lakh per acre.

For the Goindwal thermal plant, the state government acquired 1,100 acres at Rs 16.50 lakh per acre.

An officer said, “The government acquires the land, while the companies pay the compensation.”