Residents want monetary relief for land acquisition

Residents who have lost their buildings and lands due to the widening of Sarjapur Road, are demanding monetary compensation from the BBMP instead of Transferable Development Rights (TDR).

More than 150 residents and 300 commercial establishments are said to be suffering losses due to this. The residents are also angry that the civic body did not consult them before starting the project. B V Ramachandra Reddy, a resident said, “We have been owners of the land for decades. Losing houses to road widening is a nightmare. We are not against the project. We are just demanding a fair compensation.”

According to the law, the government is supposed to acquire land by paying the guidance value to the owner. “This is a clear violation of ‘Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act’ (LARR),” said Reddy.

He also questioned the different stances taken by the state government. “Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) pays the guidance value for acquiring land. But the BBMP offers TDR. How can the state government have two different policies?” asked Reddy.

Another resident, Jagadish Reddy, who has taken loans for his house is offered TDR. “How can the government replace TDR with housing loans? If the civic body plans to demolish this, will the bankers adjust the TDR against the outstanding loan? Many of us will be left with no houses but only housing loans to clear,” he rued.

Although the project was approved in 2005, work began only on August 1. The residents claim that they were not even issued a week’s notice before the work was initiated.

The Rs 84-crore project involves widening of the road from the present 24 metres to 45 metres from Iblur junction to Carmelaram. The project is aimed at easing traffic on the busy road. B S Prahallad, chief engineer, Major Roads, BBMP did not respond to calls made by DH.