With more than half the farmers in Patwari agreeing to a higher compensation-based out-of-court settlement, the Greater Noida Authority has now started eyeing the second village — Shahberi — in the Noida Extension area, where land acquisition has been set aside.
While 20,000 homebuyers were hit in Patwari, the Shahberi judgment affected 6,500 houses. Farmers in Shahberi on Sunday confirmed "they were being spoken to" but added that they would not compromise. Many farmers were seen ploughing their fields. "We want our land back and will not accept any deal," said Mohammad Imran, a farmer. Some farmers have grown vegetables.
“This patch was spared. Most part of land has become barren,” said Najma Khatoon, another farmer. "Though the authority has initiated the process of returning the land to farmers, the agents of builders are still approaching us," she added.
Builders and the authority officials, however, said they had not yet started renegotiation with Shahberi farmers. “Once the Patwari pact is approved in court, we will consider try to resolve the land crisis in Shahberi and other villages,” said an authority official.
"A reacquisition process will start under the new land policy of the state. We are briefing farmers about the new policy," he said.
{{/usCountry}}"A reacquisition process will start under the new land policy of the state. We are briefing farmers about the new policy," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, farmers held a meeting at villages Haibatpur and Itaidha and said they would not accept any Patwari-like deal.
“Politicians and officers are pressurising farmers for agreements. We will wait till August 17, when the high court hears all Noida Extension cases. We will form our strategy accordingly,” said farmer leader Ranveer Nagar.