Koraput Farmers Protest Inadequate Compensation for Railway Project Land Acquisition
Farmers and land losers in Badakaudi village, located under the Jeypore block in Koraput district, have made a fervent appeal to the district administration to revise the compensation package for land acquisition under the Jeypore–Nabarangpur railway project. They allege that the current valuation is "grossly inadequate" and unjust, failing to reflect the true market value of their properties.
Villagers Submit Formal Representation to District Collector
In a formal representation submitted to Koraput collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan on Thursday, the affected villagers expressed strong dissatisfaction with the compensation fixed at Rs 2.20 lakh per acre for Category-I irrigated land. They argued that this amount is far below the prevailing market rate, especially considering the rapid industrial growth and development sweeping through the region.
The villagers stated, "The actual market value of land has increased significantly over the years. The current compensation is not only unfair but also unacceptable to us." This sentiment underscores their frustration with a valuation they believe does not account for economic changes and land appreciation.
Collector's Response and Ongoing Concerns
Responding to the concerns raised by the villagers, Collector Manoj Satyawan Mahajan assured that "the matter will be looked into." However, this brief statement has left many farmers anxious about the timeline and outcome of any potential review, as they seek a resolution that aligns with fair market practices.
The issue highlights broader challenges in land acquisition processes, where compensation packages often lag behind real-time economic shifts. The villagers' demand for a revised package is rooted in the need for justice and equitable treatment in the face of infrastructure development that impacts their livelihoods.
