The Gujarat government on Friday announced a new compensation policy for farmers whose land is used for electricity transmission towers and power lines, replacing the existing jantri (circuit rates)-based system with compensation based on twice the prevailing market value of the land.
The decision comes amid the ongoing farmers’ agitation in the Morbi region regarding compensation for lands used for the power transmission project.
According to a press release issued by the state government, compensation for land damaged by transmission lines will now be calculated at twice the prevailing market value instead of 200% of the gantry value.
Compensation for land occupied by transportation towers will also be increased, as the compensable area will include one additional meter on the four sides of the tower base.
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For the 765 kV transmission line, the compensable area has been increased from 625 m2 to 729 m2.
The government also abolished the three-stage payment system. The statement said that farmers will now receive full compensation before work begins instead of paying it during different stages of the project.
The market price committee comprising the district collector, representatives of affected landowners, a market valuer nominated by the farmers and representatives of the transport service provider will determine the market value of the land.
She added that compensation for the right-of-way corridor will be linked to the commission’s assessment, while the revised policy will also apply to projects still in progress.
