Belagavi : A decade-long wait for compensation ended on Monday as 95 farmers from Kamalapur village received cheques worth a total of Rs 54 crore for lands acquired and submerged under the Ballari Nala Project.
Distributing the compensation cheques at the deputy commissioner’s office, district iminister Satish Jarkiholi said the affected farmers had been pursuing the issue for nearly 10 years.
He said the govt had taken up the matter on priority and initiated the necessary measures to ensure justice for the beneficiaries. “The disbursement of Rs 54 crore to 95 farmers is a significant step towards resolving a long-pending grievance,” Jarkiholi said. Addressing the concerns of project-affected families was the govt’s responsibility, he said, adding that he was satisfied the long-standing issue had finally been resolved. Jarkiholi said special efforts were made after the affected farmers repeatedly highlighted their grievances before the govt.
The minister emphasised that farmers who lose land for public projects must receive fair and timely compensation. Following the distribution ceremony, the farmers felicitated Jarkiholi and expressed their gratitude by offering him sweets. They thanked the minister and district administration for helping secure compensation after a prolonged struggle. Officials present on the occasion included ZP CEO Rahul Shinde, additional deputy commissioner Vijaykumar Honakeri, land acquisition administrative officer Shivanand Bhajantri and Hidkal dam special land acquisition officer K Chandramouli. Farmer leaders from Kamalapur village also attended the programme.