Stany Bela

Daijiworld Media Network (SB)

Mangaluru, Aug 28: The land acquisition of 32 acres for runway expansion at Mangaluru International Airport almost became a reality, but now things have taken a U-turn with the district administration reducing the compensation initially promised to almost half.

Residents of Adyapady and Kolambe agreed to give their land for runway expansion for a price of Rs 32,312 per cent, as decided by the officials initially. The assistant commissioner of the Revenue department had also released a notification with the details. However, the residents got a shock when they received a notification from the district administration stating that the value of the land per cent is fixed at Rs 19,117, a cut of Rs 13,195 when compared to the amount
initially promised.

The residents have now voiced their dissent, and asserted that the current rate is not acceptable and they will not leave the land until proper compensation is paid.

The locals claim that the officials called them for meetings five times. In the fourth meeting in the presence of assistant commissioner, district administration decided to give a compensation of 32,312 per cent to the residents who are giving up their land. The residents also agreed to this proposal and they requested the officials to calculate the value for buildings and their agriculture products.

However, in the fifth meeting which was held on August 25, the officials informed that residents will get only Rs 19,117 per cent. The residents put forth the earlier notification by the assistant commissioner which promised compensation of Rs 32,312. However, the present assistant commissioner informed them it was a mistake committed by the previous assistant commissioner.

Godwin a resident of Adyapady says, “In a meeting held on July 18, the officials agreed to sanction Rs 32,312 per cent. Even in the notice, they have mentioned the same amount. But now they have suddenly issued another notice which states government can give only Rs 19,117 per cent. We cannot understand in just one month how can there be a huge price difference.”

“Since 45 years we are residing here. Emotionally it is difficult for us to move from here. But based on the assurance of proper compensation we mentally prepared ourselves to leave this place. But in a latest notice, government cut down the compensation. Menwhile, some newspapers also carried news stating that the procedures of land acquisition for airport is completed. But we have not signed any agreement and we are not leaving our land without proper compensation or rehabilitation,” says another resident Leelavathi.

"With the compensation of Rs 19,117 per cent we cannot buy a new land or construct a new house. Majority of residents have only 5 to 10 cent land. Government and officials know the value of land and the expenses of a new construction. So on humanity basis they should offer a good compensation to the residents," says Rajesh a resident of Adyapady.