Noida Extn builders offer farmers a new deal

The talks started after the Supreme Court upheld the Allahabad High Court verdict quashing state acquisition of farmland. Villages not covered under the Shahberi order are also threatening litigation.

Builders are now taking preemptive measures and are offering farmers compensation according to the revised land acquisition rates announced by the Mayawati government recently.

Sources said farmers affected by land acquisition in the villages of Itehda,Haibatpur and Patwari held prolonged negotiations with various builders.

“They fear that if these farmers also go in for litigation,the entire Noida Extension will be jeopardised. These measures are essentially a precaution. Builders want to avoid long litigation,” a source said.

In 2008,when the land was acquired,the government paid a compensation at the rate of Rs 850 per sq metre. Sources said builders are offering the revised rate of Rs 1,050 per sq metre.

“We are willing to pay the difference in land acquisition rates. The farmers can take the compensation from the Greater Noida Authority and the difference will be paid by us,” the source said. The difference in amount is expected to be substantial and comes out to be over Rs 2.5 lakh per bigha.

A representative from builders said they have received positive feedback from farmers and they hoped to stop them from approaching the court.

Farmers who participated in the Friday meeting plan to discuss the matter among themselves before taking a final call. “We have told the builders that all farmers in the region should be offered similar amounts. We will have another meeting among ourselves tomorrow and decide on the matter,” said Manveer Bhati,a farmer leader.