MP Dr C N Manjunath requests Amit Shah for speedy release of STRR land compensation

New Delhi: Bengaluru Rural Lok Sabha MP Dr C N Manjunath on Thursday sought the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the early release of compensation to farmers whose land was acquired for the NH-948A Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road project.

The BJP MP met Shah here and submitted a memorandum requesting his intervention to secure Union Cabinet approval for the release of funds.

“Shah assured me that he would speak to the concerned officials and take necessary steps for the early distribution of compensation,” Manjunath told reporters here.

In his memorandum, Manjunath highlighted that farmers, mostly from Magadi, Ramanagara, Kanakapura, Harohalli, and Anekal areas, have not received compensation since 2020-21 despite the completion of land acquisition proceedings.

The delay has caused severe financial distress and hardship to numerous farming families. The situation has now escalated, leading to public grievances and protests, with affected farmers demanding immediate justice, he said.

Although the Union Ministries of Road Transport & Highways and Finance have already approved the compensation amount, it is still awaiting final approval from the Union Cabinet.

Manjunath also met Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and requested him to increase the annual export quota of red sandalwood beyond the existing limit of 10 lakh metric tonnes. He argued that approving a higher quantity would greatly benefit farmers who cultivate red sandalwood.