PUDA may restart land acquisition

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010913/cth1.htm
PUDA may restart land acquisition
Tribune News Service

SAS Nagar, September 12
In the light of the Punjab and Haryana High Court allowing the Punjab Urban Planning and Development Authority (PUDA) to carry on its proceedings in the extension of SAS Nagar case subject to the final decision of the writ petition, PUDA is likely to start the stalled process of land acquisition of Sohana, Mauli Baidwan and other villages in the coming days. The land of the villages falls under the five new sectors.

The land of the petitioners, around 120, allowed status quo by the court, is not being touched by the authority. A meeting of land acquisition officials has been called by the Chief Administrator of PUDA on September 14.

The Chief Administrator, Mr K.B.S. Sidhu, said around 90 per cent of land was free from the status quo. Against 3951 plots allotted in the new sectors, the 15 per cent amount had been deposited for 3712 plots. “We will request the remaining allottees to deposit the 15 per cent money so that development of the area can be carried out”, he said.

Sources in PUDA said in the light of the status quo for around 120 acres, the conceptual plan of the five sectors might have to be altered. The planning of Sectors 78 and 79 could be affected as the maximum number of petitioners had land near Sohana village. A 200 feet wide road between Sectors 78 and 79 had come in the land of the petitioners. Another road in Sectors 76 and 77 would also have to be altered, affecting the overall planning of the area.

Around 200 acres in Sector 76 was in possession of the Radha Soami Satsang. Minor changes would have to be made to keep the circulation area same. Sources said location of over 500 plots of varying size would have to be changed.

An official said in case of Sohana village, a compensation of around Rs 25 crore had been given against a total award of 120 crore. In case of Mauli Baidwan village, a compensation of around 11 crore had been given against a total compensation of around 15 crore.

In case of Lakhnour village, a compensation of around three crore was yet to be given. Officially the possession of land of Mauli Baidwan and Sohana villages had been taken on May 7 and 17, respectively.