Noida: A state government committee formed to address the farmers’ demand for 10% abadi land in Noida convened its fourth and final meeting on Thursday.
This committee is now poised to submit its findings to the government, which will subsequently decide on the allotment. During the meeting, authorities from Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna Expressway presented the additional land requirements necessary to meet the farmers’ demands and discussed the financial implications of providing compensation equivalent to the land cost. Presently, the Noida Authority allocates 5% of the acquired land to each farmer, while Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway authorities allocate 6% and 7%, respectively. Noida Authority CEO Lokesh M said, “We have given comprehensive details on each issue, be it land requirement, compensation amount and court’s orders on farmers’ petitions. Each of the demands were looked into at the meeting. The committee will now prepare a report and send it to the govt. We have urged the govt to consider the issues and resolve them.”
Farmers have been protesting since 2019, demanding an increased quota of abadi land or equivalent compensation for land acquired from them since 1997. Their demands also include better rehabilitation facilities, permission to use residential plots for commercial purposes, employment for their children, and improved healthcare services. In response to these ongoing protests, the state government established a three-member committee in February this year. This committee comprises the chairperson of the revenue board, the commissioner of the Meerut division, and the Noida District Magistrate. The CEOs of both Noida and Greater Noida authorities have been directed to collaborate with the committee to devise a viable solution.
Sources indicate that the final meeting focused on creating a uniform policy across all three authorities to address the farmers’ demands effectively. It was emphasised that the challenges faced by farmers across the district are similar, warranting a consistent policy to resolve these issues and prevent future complications. This forthcoming report is expected to be a significant step towards resolving the long-standing demands of the farmers. The state government’s decision will likely have a substantial impact on the affected farmers and the overall development framework within Noida, Greater Noida, and the Yamuna Expressway regions. The resolution of these demands will not only benefit the farmers but also streamline the development process in these rapidly expanding urban areas. The government’s response to this report will be keenly awaited by all stakeholders involved.
