Government Addresses Concerns Over Land Acquisition for Srinagar Ring Road Project

The Government of India has clarified its stance on land acquisition grievances for the Srinagar Ring Road project, following a query raised in the Lok Sabha by Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi. The project, which involves over 600 acres of land, has faced criticism regarding outdated compensation practices.Responding to the question, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Jairam Gadkari, stated that land acquisition for Phases 2 and 2A is being conducted under the National Highways (NH) Act, 1956, with compensation determined according to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (RFCTLARR) Act, 2013. However, land acquisition for Phase 1, conducted in 2017-18, was carried out under the now-repealed Jammu and Kashmir Land Acquisition Act, 1934, in line with the legal framework applicable at that time.Concerns were also raised about compensation for fruit-bearing trees being calculated based on outdated 1996 rates. The minister explained that compensation for assets, including trees, structures, and tube wells, is assessed by the Competent Authority for Land Acquisition (CALA) following guidelines issued by local horticulture authorities.Regarding villages such as Wathoora and Gudsathoo in Budgam District, where unauthorised uprooting of trees was alleged, Gadkari confirmed that compensation awards for land and assets have been issued. He added that compensation for disputed cases has been deposited with the district court, ensuring adherence to legal protocols.The Government emphasised its commitment to fair compensation and compliance with applicable laws, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) continues to take possession of the land for the Ring Road project.