MARGAO: The ongoing land acquisition proceedings for the railway double tracking project took a surprising turn as the Arbitration Authority passed a verdict favouring the locals. South Western Railways (SWR) was ordered to deposit a higher amount for the land acquired for the double tracking project, according to the authority’s decision.
This was in connection with the case that was being heard by the Arbitrator – the Revenue Secretary of the Government of Goa.
It was a case between
the claimant/petitioner – SWR against the Competent Authority for the land
acquisition proceedings, the
Mormugao Deputy
Collector and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO).
In short, the Arbitrator stated that the steps taken by the Competent Authority in calculating the amount owed to the landowners by SWR was legal and done by following due process and that SWR was not entitled to the relief as claimed in their petition.
Following the verdict, the Chief Administrative Officer of SWR Construction wrote to the Competent Authority informing them that they were doing the needful to deposit more money.
“Subsequent to the final order of the honourable Arbitrator, this office has already accorded approval for deposition of the balance amount of Rs 23, 44,90,422 for compensation for the land against the 1st notification dated March 4, 2020,” read the letter.
“As sufficient funds of Rs 94.38 crore is already deposited with EDC Ltd Panjim, the disbursement process may please be started from your end immediately without any delay to compensate the land owners. Subsequently, the balance amount of Rs 23,44,90,422 is being arranged for deposition shortly,” SWR added.
However, the award of compensation to the land owners will come as a setback to those who have been protesting the double tracking works as once the amount is paid to the land owners, SWR can go ahead with its expansion work.
