BDA’s new plan will benefit farmers

BDA’s new plan will benefit farmers
To Give Back Developed Sites To Ryots Instead Of Compensation
The Times of India


Bangalore: Bangalore Development Authority’s new land acquisition policy is a win-win situation for both the BDA and property owners. The BDA has decided to give back developed sites to the farmers whose lands have been acquired, instead of compensation.

The policy, which was approved by the BDA board recently, envisages a 50-50 deal modelled along the lines of a policy in vogue at the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority. Land acquisition in Ahmedabad has so far not encountered problems and litigations like other cities as landowners have accepted the model.

According to BDA officials, the new policy envisages giving back 10,000 sqft of land to the farmer/property owner for every one acre of land acquired.

As a rule, for one acre — which is 43,365 sqft — the BDA gets only 20,000 sqft to develop after allowing for open spaces, parks, roads and CA sites. In turn, 10,000 sqft of developed sites will be handed over to the farmer.
The new model works in the farmer’s favour as nearly four 40 ft X 60 ft sites can be developed in 10,000 sqft. When sold at market value, it will earn them a fortune. Whereas the compensation given per acre is only as per the sub-registrar’s value, almost 40 per cent lesser than the prevailing rates. “This policy has been framed to prevent landlords from becoming landless,” officials explained.

Currently, the litigation rate is high because of low compensation. In Arkavathy layout, farmers with land situated adjacent to the national highway were given a compensation of Rs 25 lakh per acre whereas the going rate is no less than Rs 45 lakh per acre.

Under the existing scheme (old scheme), apart from the compensation amount, a land owner who gives up his land voluntarily, is also given a compensatory site for just 25 per cent of the cost. Land ranging from half acre to one acre fetches a compensation amount plus a 30x40 ft site; for one acre, a 60x40 ft site. A land owner is entitled to a maximum of 10 sites for his land.

The BDA board has passed the resolution to try out the new model in a small layout of 500 acres. Depending on the outcome, it will be implemented in the proposed layout, touted to be the largest with 50,000 sites.

IN A NUTSHELL


New policy has 50-50 deal; farmer will benefit.
For every acre, 10,000 sqft of developed sites is given back to the land owner.
No compensation will be given.
BDA to implement policy in small layout first.
Government has approved the policy in principle.