Govt explores eager to put metro work on fast track
Instead of acquiring land from owners, the Kerala state government is exploring the option of purchasing land directly from the owners by registering the title deed for the Kochi Metro Rail project.
There are concerns that if the land is acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, acquisitions may get delayed. The Act came into effect from Jan 1.
It is learnt that this move is made by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. However, a final decision is pending regarding this matter. But the land can be purchased the next day, if the land value fixed by district level purchase committee (DLPC) is approved by the state level experts committee (SLEC).
The possibilities of waiving registration tax and stamp duty for such land are also being explored, informed Ernakulam collector P I Sheik Pareeth.
Under the new act, for the land to be acquired for any public-private partnership projects, 70% land owners should agree. In case of private projects, 80% of the owners should agree. And in addition to the land value in village areas, solatium of 200% on land value will have to be paid.
In urban areas, 100% solatium will need to be paid.
Revenue department has handed over to KMRL around 68% of the total 45 acres land required for stations and viaduct.
Land acquisition for metro village at Muttom is a cause of concern for metro officials, as there are many owners here and a large area needs to be acquired. The entire metro rail project may be hit if the any owner decides to move court.
Sources: The Times of India
Kochi, Kochi metro rail. Kerala government, land acquisition, metro rail, muttom, Oommen Chandy, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition
