Metro runs into acquisition block

Metro runs into acquisition block
By P M Raghunandan,DH News Service,Bangalore:
Going by the slow pace of acquiring private land, the Namma Metro project may well join the long list of delayed projects of the City.

It’s been over three months since Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) began taking private properties into its possession for the Metro Rail project in Reach 1 (between Byappanahalli and Chinnaswamy Stadium). Of the 118 properties notified, only 15 property owners have surrendered their land by accepting the compensation.
“Though letters to surrender land have been issued to 70 owners, not many have responded. A majority of those who came forward don’t possess proper documents, without which we can’t disburse compensation. Besides, many properties are under litigation,” KIADB Special Land Acquisition Officer Vijay Kumar told Deccan Herald.
However, none have so far moved court challenging the compensation package announced by Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC), he said. Properties owners must produce latest khata, sale deed, latest tax-paid receipt and encumbrance certificate to claim the compensation. Once the intimation letter is received, property owners must surrender their properties to KIADB, which is authorised to acquire land for BMRC, which is implementing the Metro Rail project.
KIADB issued the first cheque towards compensation and took possession of a private property on December 31, 2007. “If updated documents are produced by the owner, we will immediately issue compensation cheques based on calculation sheet provided by BMRC. We have sent back many owners to bring clear documents,” he added. This has given BMRC jitters as it may delay the project. It has set 2010 as deadline for completing the work on Reach 1. In all, KIADB needs to acquire 550 private properties for the project.
Last resort
KIADB may go ahead by taking possession of properties by depositing the compensation amount in the court if owners fail to voluntarily come forward.
It has already deposited money in the court with respect to eight properties on Old Madras Road which are under litigation, official sources said.
Vijay Kumar said BMRC has provided calculation sheets (assessment of total value of the property) with respect to 70 properties.
“As and when we received the sheets, we will start the process to take them into possession,” he said.
To speed up the process, KIADB has written to BBMP seeking immediate issue of documents to owners of properties meant to be acquired for the project, Vijay Kumar added.