Traders dispute rehabilitation package
Representational Image.
Kochi: Metro Rail viaduct construction near Aluva market has come to a standstill following the refusal of a few traders at the municipal corporation owned building, which has to be acquired for the project. The dispute over the rehabilitation package and compensation has delayed the acquisition of the building. Despite several rounds of negotiations held by officials of the revenue department failed to reach a consensus.
According to the compensation fixed by the district level purchase committee, traders were offered Rs 6.5 lakh while their demand is Rs. 15 lakhs. Almost 10 traders have to be evicted to acquire the building. With the traders refusing to move out, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited authorities have requested the district administration to initiate forcible acquisition of the building. “If the building owned by Aluva Municipality is not acquired soon, construction works will come to a standstill which will affect timely completion of the project,” said sources at KMRL.
Meanwhile, as per the request of KMRL, the revenue department has served a notice to the Aluva municipality to forcibly acquire the building.
“We’ve received a notice from the deputy collector stating that if the traders are not evacuated within 45 days, they will be forcefully shifted without any compensation. As per the notice, compensation will not be given to the municipality as well,” said M.T Jacob, municipal chairman.
According to municipal authorities it is not their responsibility to evict the tenants and there is no justification for denying compensation for the building.
“Though several rounds of meetings were held with the traders, they stood firm in their stand and even approached the court. Another meeting with the representatives of merchant union will be convened on Tuesday to inform them about the forcible acquisition,” added the municipal chairman.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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