Land acquisition for Padur crude oil storage : Decision taken to raise land value

Kaup: It has been decided to fix a higher rate for the land to be acquired for the second stage of ISPRL’s Strategic Storage of Crude Oil Project at Padur. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kurma Rao M on the advice of local MLA and MPs.

At a meeting chaired by the DC with landowners, it was decided to fix a maximum land value for the land, PWD-led survey of those who lose their houses, provide additional compensation, and relocate those who will be losing homes.

The second stage of the project requires an additional 210 acres of land to be acquired. However, the project, which is of strategic importance for the country, has been pending due to delays in the land acquisition process as land owners wanted higher compensation. There were talks that the project could be shifted elsewhere due to the inordinate delay. The decision might ease such apprehensions, as the pending demand of land owners has been accepted.

Landowners, locals under the aegis of Kalathoor Janajagriti Samiti, and other local representatives had approached MLA Lalaji Mendon for intervening in the matter and getting them higher compensation. They had alleged that the compensation fixed by the company “was at a minimum value”.

MLA Lalaji Mendon had forwarded the request through MP and Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje to the DC and concerned officials.  There had been several rounds of talks with the stakeholders for fixing a fair land value.

After the decision to raise the land value, land owners who would lose their land have breathed a sigh of relief.