In a crucial move aimed at addressing historical land acquisitions, the Maharashtra government has given the go-ahead for the return of 6.25% of land acquired by the Pimpri-Chinchwad New Township Development Authority (PCNTDA) between March 14, 1972, and December 31, 1983. The decision, approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, comes with the provision of a pre-approved floor space index (FSI) of 2 for the returned plots.
Returning Land to Original Owners: Key Details
Under the approved decision, 6.25% of the developed land will be returned to the original landowners in the same village where the land was initially acquired. If sufficient land is not available in the same village, alternative land in another village will be allocated based on availability.
Farmers who received compensation for the acquired land between 1972 and 1983 will be required to pay for the compensated land at an interest rate determined by the collector’s office. The payment must cover the period from the date of compensation receipt to the date of possession of the 6.25% of the land by the PCNTDA.
Implementation and Follow-up Actions
The process will be immediately implemented under the Maharashtra Regional Planning and Town Planning Act, 1966. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who has been actively pursuing the matter in response to citizen demands, highlighted the importance of fulfilling the longstanding demand of Pimpri-Chinchwad residents.
While the return of land includes a sanctioned FSI of 2 for the plots, landowners will only receive compensation if they withdraw all petitions and cases filed in court. The PCNTDA will scrutinize proposals and submit them to the government for feedback, facilitating the transfer of returned land to another person with prior government permission.
Historical Context and Fulfilling Citizen Demands
Established on March 14, 1972, the PCNTDA had acquired lands from local farmers in various regions, impacting Chinchwad, Akurdi, Nigadi, Bhosari, Wakad, Thergaon, Rawet, Rahatni, Moshi, and Chikhali. The government had previously implemented a scheme in 1990, returning 12.5% of acquired land to landowners, a scheme later extended to those whose land was acquired after January 1, 1984.
The latest decision addresses the demand of farmers whose lands were acquired before 1984, emphasizing the fulfillment of the citizens’ long-standing request for compensation.
