Mangaluru, Aug 20: People in Dakshina Kannada have started raising voice against acquisition of their lands for the ongoing work of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pipeline from Kochi to Mangaluru. The project is being carried out by the Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL).
Like in Kerala, many land owners in Dakshina Kannada have expressed fear of losing dwellings, agricultural lands and plantations.
Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner K.G. Jagadeesha has convened a meeting of affected landowners and GAIL officials on August 31 to resolve the issue.
GAIL general manager, Kochi, Tony Mathew, said that the company would need 20 m wide land along the 35 km stretch during the project execution stage for movement of equipment; however, it would require only 10 m wide right of way (RoW) after the pipeline is buried in the ground.
The company will compensate for loss of crop during the execution stage. The market value of lands has to be determined by the DC and GAIL will go by it, he said.
In Kerala, GAIL is paying 75% of the fair (guidance) value for permanent RoW and Rs. 12,000 per coconut tree. Dakshina Kannada DC has proposed to pay 10% of the market value, which is calculated at six times the guidance value.
However, landowners are claiming payment of 100% of guidance value, Mr. Mathew said.
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