Srinagar, Apr 07 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday affirmed that no land has been acquired for the Baramulla-Kupwara Railway Line, however, confirmed that the land has been acquired for the road widening project in Handwara belt.
Responding to queries by MLA Sheikh Khursheed, the government, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that Rs 4.06 crore has already been disbursed as compensation. “An outstanding amount of Rs 23.23 crore is under process through the Bhoomi Rashi Portal.”
The government said that land has been acquired for the road widening project in Langate Assembly Constituency, specifically in Kralgund, Langate, and Handwara Tehsils.
In Tehsil Kralgund, no land has been acquired, while in Tehsil Langate 38 Kanal, 12 Marla, and 03 Sarsai have been acquired. Similarly, in revenue village Handwara, around 24 Kanal, 13 Marla, and 06 Sarsai and in Braipora 31 Kanal, 02 Marla, and 02 Sarsai has been acquired.
Regarding concerns over rate differences in compensation between Braipora and Handwara, the government said that Handwara lies entirely within Municipal Limits, while Braipora lies partially in rural limits, as per the existing rules.
For urban areas, compensation is multiplied by a factor of 1 while for rural areas, compensation is multiplied by a factor of 2, it said.
On a query regarding the rehabilitation of affected farmers, orchardists, house owners, shopkeepers, and other stakeholders, the government response stated that the entire acquisition is being carried out under the National Highway Act, 1956. Compensation for structures, land, and trees is being paid in accordance with the provisions of this Act, the response reads—(KNO)