Officials to meet farmers unwilling to give land for Nashik ring road

Nashik: District collector Ayush Prasad has directed officials to hold special camps in local villages to win over the confidence of farmers and help fast-track land acquisition for the proposed ring road project around the city ahead of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela.The proposed road passes through 25 villages and requires 365 ha land. Some farmers have given their consent, while a large number is still holding out. Prasad said, “I have directed officials to conduct camps in 14 of the 25 villages where notices have been issued for land acquisition. Beneficiaries are eligible for a 25% premium over and above the final valuation as per the direct purchase agreement between farmers and the land acquisition agency.

Officials have been told to speak to farmers and win them over to the cause.”Several farmers in the said 14 villages have expressed reservations regarding the acquisition. Most are concerned about the compensation value and a sizeable chunk of farmers wants the road alignment altered to ensure their plots or properties remain unaffected.An official told TOI: “The farmers are concerned about multiple issues — like losing property as also investments in irrigation, wastage of other facilities and even losing their livelihood entirely.”

“The collector has told us to conduct camps to help the farmers understand the details of the scheme and how they stand to benefit. If they do not agree to a direct purchase, the land will be acquired through standard legal procedures and the final compensation will not include the 25% premium,” he added.A section of farmers from several villages has been agitating against the administration and seeking intervention of higher govt authorities.

The upcoming village camps are specifically to give voice to their claims and objections. Officials from the revenue and agriculture departments and the Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation — the agency constructing the road — will be present to ensure a comprehensive resolution process.

The dates for the camps have been announced.“All objections and claims of farmers will be formally addressed and resolved. Complex issues requiring attention of higher authorities will be referred to the concerned offices,” the official added.