Arkavathy: BDA begins work, farmers up in arms

Arkavathy: BDA begins work, farmers up in arms
Deccan Herald

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has busy days ahead, as it works towards giving Arkavathy Layout a form and character. However, for the 3,000 agrarian families who are affected by the layout formation, it is a state of suspended animation, with less work and more worries.

The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has busy days ahead, as it works towards giving Arkavathy Layout a form and character. However, for the 3,000 agrarian families who are affected by the layout formation, it is a state of suspended animation, with less work and more worries.

As BDA’s JCBs and tractors move into the 16 villages for development works, the farmers say they are getting increasingly nervous. Many claim that their compensation amount against land acquisition, ranging between Rs 11 lakh and Rs 20 lakh per acre, are yet to be paid. Moreover, they want the compensation amount to be revalued at Rs 40 lakh per acre. Some farmers in Sampigehalli near Jakkur have even threatened to disrupt digging activities till the compensation due is paid.

According to Bacchegowda, an ex-councillor at the Taluk Panchayat, the BDA has not paid any compensation to the land holders after it acquired land following the final notification in 2003. “The developmental works has already started with police bandobast. More than a hundred policemen have been posted at the site to prevent farmers from coming there. But how are we to live without money?” Bacchegowda questions.

Twenty-two-year-old Ravi Kumar says, “I have no work now. I do not have my farms to cultivate or money to start my own enterprise. Earlier, we cultivated ragi, paddy and flowers in my one acre of land. But the BDA acquired my land three years ago, and has not paid me any money. Now I am pained to see my land being dug by JCBs,” he rues.

BDA clarifies

The BDA has till now only paid Rs 3 crore out of the estimated compensation amount of Rs 250 crore. According to BDA, this is mainly the farmers’ fault. “We are ready to pay the compensation, but the farmers are yet to come forward with land title deeds and other documents notified by the BDA,” says Veerabhadraiah, BDA Deputy Commissioner (Land Acquisition).

As for the compensation hike, BDA Commissioner Vidya Shankar clarified that the issue should be resolved by the court, and not by BDA.

According to sources, BDA has now acquired 2,750 acres of land for an estimated investment of Rs 250 crores for the formation of the layout. The farmers will be given a compensation of Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20 lakh per acre, depending on the site location.

They will also be given a 30x40 site for every acre. For any delay in payment of the compensation amount by the BDA, a 12 per cent per annum interest and 30 per cent solatium will be imposed as penalty.