Gangtok: The land acquisition rate for PananHydel project in Dzongu which was earlier hinted to be approximately around Rs.4 to5 per square feet has been accorded a quantum hike bringing it at par with the highest rates offered in the State at present approved at Rs.per sq.ft. for cardamom ,paddy fields and Rs.16 for barren tracts plus a 30% solatium.
The new rates are expected to find welcome favour with the landowners of Dzongu who have been seeking such hike in rates of land.
The rates, it is informed,have been arrived at in the best interests of the people and further more are among highest rated accorded by state for land acquisitions for public purpose in the state.
As per reports,the rates for cardamom and paddy fields comes to Rs.7.84 lakhs per acre and for dry and barren fields it totals to Rs.6.97 lakhs per acre and adding to it further is the valuation of the standing property that goes with acquired land the final payment computed for payment is higher than expected as it would be further get added with30% Solatium amount thus making a much heftier payment for per acre.The Solatium means Compensation for injured feelings as distinct from financial loss or physical suffering.
Even leaving out the standing property of acquired lands,The cardamom and paddy field would fetch Rs.10,19,304/- per acre and dry and barrens fields tracts at Rs.9,06,048 per acre.
It may be added that land owners at Dzongu onetime demanded Rs.50 per sq.ft.,but this was rate even they realized was unrealistic and negotiations has finally settled at around the now approved rates.
The rates are applicable for blocks of Maling-Singhik,Lingthem,Lingdem,Lingzya,and Sakyong-Pentong and are at par with the Singhik Sentam land acquisition case for Teesta stage III at Chungthang undertaken by the Teesta Urja.
On the matter of the demnads of the local population,the DC(north) T.N.Kazi says that in fact some landowners demanded rates higher than Rs.50/-per sq.ft,some suggesting it between Rs. 70-100 per sq.ft but given that rate fixation has to move with in certain norms,the latest rates have been finalised.
These approved rates are higher than prevailing rates for Dzongu,he informed.The total land to be acquired for the Panan hydel project is around 35.8850 hectares.
