Maharashtra: ‘Vikhran Project’ farmers to get compensation up to Rs 38 crores

Mumbai, February 15: After reviewing the land acquisition cases pertaining to the Vikhran solar power project, the Maharashtra Government has decided to compensate the affected farmers through direct negotiation rather than according to the Land Acquisition law of the state.

This move came up when a farmer from Dhule district demanded better compensation for his acquired land. Power Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, "According to the new rates, the farmers are likely to get a compensation of up to Rs 38 crore,"

He further added that, a total of 199 hectares of land has been acquired for the solar power project at Vikharan in Sindkhed taluka by Revenue department. The power ministry will allocate the total amount of compensation as demanded by the Dhule district collector.

The project was pushed by the Devendra Fadnavis government as it was stalled since 2009. Revenue department decided to acquire 824 hectares of land. Private land measuring 675 hectares from Methi and Vikharan villages too was earmarked for the project. The state also acquired 149 hectares of government land for the project. As of now, the total 529 hectares of land has been acquired, of which 476 hectares is private land and 45 hectares government-owned land, the minister said.

In 2012, farmers were compensated a total Rs 47.60 crore against acquisition of 476 hectares land. However, 138 farmers have demanded a higher amount for 199 hectares land. It is reviewed that all 138 farmers will be given compensation in accordance with direct negotiations and they will also be given an interest on increased amount of compensation for the period of last eight years.

Farmers will get Rs 10 lakh per hectare for barren land, Rs 15 lakh for partially irrigated and Rs 20 lakh per hectare for fully irrigated land as compensation.