Nashik farmers throng to submit land docus 

Pune: Contrary to the perception that the proposed Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Megaway is being opposed by opposition parties and farmers whose land is to be acquired for the mega project, farmers in Igatpuri taluka of Nashik thronged the tehsil and divisional offices to submit their land documents with their approval to sell land at a rate thrice the current rate in the region as the deadline of September 1 to submit land documents neared.

One of the flagship projects of the Maharashtra government, the Samruddhi Megaway is aimed at reducing travel time between Mumbai and Nagpur and to increase connectivity and trade. The opposition parties objected to acquisition of land from farmers alleging low compensation and delay in payment.

The government pushed the proposal through and extended the deadline of giving approvals to September 1. The mandatory land acquisition process would begin immediately after the deadline. In Igatpuri taluka, 85 per cent of the total land required has been acquired.

The process of the land purchase has been going on in 49 villages of Igatpuri and Sinnar talukas. 

The current rate will help increase the percentage of acquired land by 2 percent. The farmers, who do not give their land by September 1 will have to face a dispute resolution tribunal.