MMRDA may use new compensation model for MTHL

MMRDA is mulling over a new compensation model to acquire land from the project affected people (PAP) for the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) project as its existing model, being used by Cidco for the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), has caused an inordinate delay in land acquisition for the airport.

MMRDA is mulling over a new compensation model to acquire land from the project affected people (PAP) for the Mumbai Trans-Harbour Link (MTHL) project as its existing model, being used by Cidco for the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), has caused an inordinate delay in land acquisition for the airport.

HT Image

Sensing that the delay in the land acquisition for NMIA could cause a similar delay in the MTHL project, the MMRDA has started contemplating a new compensation model for acquisition of the 27 hectares of land that still needs to be acquired for the MTHL project.

Earlier, the MMRDA had decided to give the same compensation package to the project affected people (PAP) as Cidco would give to the farmers, whose land is supposed to be acquired for the airport.

“We have already received all necessary approvals for the MTHL project so the actual construction of the link is anticipated to start by end of this year. As the talks between the Cidco and the PAP for NMIA are stuck, we do not think the NMIA land acquisition issue would get resolved in near future. So, we are planning to adopt new compensation model if we want to stick to our schedule,” said a senior MMRDA official, who requested anonymity.

The MMRDA is anticipated to approach the PAP for the MTHL in next few days to check whether the PAP are ready for the new compensation model.

When contacted, Ashwini Bhide, additional commissioner of MMRDA, said “We are following the guidelines issued by the state government for the compensation package. However, we may come up with new compensation model in order to ensure commencement of the project on time.”

The NMIA land acquisition issue does not seem like it would get resolved in near future as the PAP have demanded a whopping Rs. 20 crore for every acre of their land or 35% of developed land as compensation. Despite various meetings, no consensus could be reached between both parties in the last one year.