Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar.
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday said the state government would proceed with land acquisition for the 74-km Peripheral Ring Road (PRR) project, directing the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) to deposit compensation for protesting landowners in court.
He reiterated that the government would not denotify any land notified for the project.
"We have introduced a compensation model that is the best in the country. Landowners can opt for one of five options: 35 per cent of commercial land, 40 per cent of residential site, Transferable Development Rights (TDR), Floor Area Ratio (FAR), or cash. No one has offered such variety before," he told reporters.
He added that the BDA was instructed to disburse compensation to landowners willing to accept it.
"If farmers are not willing to take it, we will deposit compensation at old rates in court," the DyCM said, adding that the court is well aware of the project's importance. "The Supreme Court has also ruled in favour of this project. Justice will prevail."
The 10-lane PRR project, connecting Tumakuru Road and Hosur Road in the city’s peripheral areas, requires a total of 2,560 acres. The BDA notified about 1,800 acres in 2006-07, and the remainder about three years ago. The project stalled as successive governments did not resolve acquisition issues.
In October, the state cabinet approved five compensation options to make them more attractive for landowners reluctant to part with their land as prices have soared due to the IT boom. Some farmers have also approached the court against acquisition.
Last month, the BDA decided to pass awards for about 140 acres whose owners have not challenged acquisition. About 150 acres are under litigation. Authorities plan to pass fresh awards for about 950 acres based on the new compensation options once the state government approves, as previous awards were based on old rates.
Officials have set a three-month target to complete most of the land acquisition process.