Pune Ring Road Land Acquisition : Rs 250 crore compensation distributed

PUNE: The initiation of land acquisition proceedings for the Pune Circular Highway has garnered a positive response from landowners, as a compensation fund of Rs 250 crore has been earmarked for this purpose, along with an extended deadline for consent.

The ongoing land acquisition efforts, directed by District Collector Dr. Rajesh Deshmukh, have gained momentum for this crucial district and state project. As an encouraging gesture, landowners are being offered 25 percent more compensation for their cooperation in releasing the required land. The district-level assessment committee has been granted an extension until July 31 to finalize consents and formal agreements.

Among the 16,940 account holders across 35 relevant villages involved in the land acquisition process, a notable 8,030 have granted their consent for land acquisition. Consequently, an amount of Rs 250 crore has been distributed to 275 account holders in return for the utilization of 125 acres of land.

In a recent review of the land acquisition progress, it was acknowledged that due to the favorable reception of the consent option among landholders, and the intricate process of aligning necessary documentation for land transfer, an extension was warranted. The deadline for submission of consent has now been extended to August 21, 2023.

Should consent letters and agreements fail to be submitted by August 21, the authorized land acquisition officer will proceed with land acquisition without the additional 25 percent compensation, assuming remaining landholders’ consent has not been received.

Collector Dr. Deshmukh has urged landholders to take advantage of the extended consent period to secure the enhanced compensation, thereby contributing to the district’s developmental endeavors through their cooperation with the administration.

Madhupriya Dhanwate