HUDA seeks approval for higher compensation for land losers in S.M Krishna layout project.

The Hassan Urban Development Authority, which met recently, resolved to seek the State Government’s approval to provide developed land as compensation for the land losers in the S.M. Krishna Layout project on a ratio of 50:50. Earlier, the authority had consented to provide only 40 per cent of the developed land as compensation.

If the government gives its consent for the fresh resolution, the farmers will get 50 per cent of the developed land, while the remaining will be allotted to the public. Recently farmers of seven villages, on the outskirts of Hassan, who parted with their land for the project, staged a series of protest demanding an increase in the compensation. Following the protest, the district administration held a meeting with the farmers and assured them that their demand would be fulfilled.

The SMK Layout has a history of over a decade. The project was proposed during the S.M. Krishna’s rule in the State, however, it was put in cold storage following objections from the farmers, who sought higher compensation. They moved the court and finally in 2013, Karnataka High Court court ordered the HUDA to provide compensation in the form of developed land. As per the government’s policy prevailing then, the court directed the HUDA to provide developed land as compensation in the ratio 60:40. However, the HUDA delayed to develop the layout and provide compensation. Meanwhile, the government revised its policy in 2015 and increased the compensation formula in housing projects to 50:50.

H.S.Prakash, Hassan MLA, who also attended the HUDA meeting, said: “Farmers’ demand is quite natural. Had the government completed the project in 2013 itself, this demand would have not raised. When the revised policy is in place, the government should provide compensation as per the revised formula,” he said.

As per the discussion held in the HUDA meeting, the Deputy Commissioner, who heads the authority, will send the proposal to the Department of Urban Development seeking approval to provide compensation as per the revised formula. “The government has no option, but to accept. If it does not approve it, the farmers will move court,” the MLA said.

The layout, consisting of 5,800 sites, is being developed in 453 acres of land.

THE HINDU