Bhubaneswar: As part of the 'Ekamra Kshetra Amenities and Monuments Revival Action (EKAMRA) Plan', Odisha government has announced rehabilitation and resettlement package for persons/institutions affected by the beautification & developmental works being carried out around Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar.
A release of the CMO mentioned that more than 65 acres surrounding Lingaraj temple and Bindu Sagar would be pedestrianised and facilities for pilgrims and tourists will be created, due to which all residential units and commercial establishments having clear title of land will be acquired through direct purchase and accordingly compensation shall be paid as per Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, R&R Act, 2013.
The government will provide a relocation allowance of Rs 1 lakh per family towards expenses related to transportation and immediate arrangement shall be given. As far as the rental allowance is concerned, each family shall be provided Rs 15,000 per month for a period of 12 months from the date of acquisition of property. It is to be noted that every residential unit owner shall be paid Rs 20 lakh as one-time resettlement allowance.
Further, there are alternative provisions for land compensation as land in lieu of land. This means the government would provide land instead of compensation amount having an equal market value of the land to be acquired; provided the size of the alternate land shall be standard and compensation of balance land component shall be adjusted in monetary assistance as per guidelines.
When it comes to commercial units, the immediate assistance to be provided is almost the same. A relocation allowance of Rs 1 lakh per unit towards expenses of related to transportation and immediate arrangement shall be given to the owner. Moreover, rental assistance of Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 per month shall be provided for shops having a built-up area less than or equal to 200 square feet and more than 200 square feet respectively from the date of acquisition of property till handing over of a unit.
Resettlement Scheme for commercial establishments is as follows:
Option A: Shop unit shall be provided, depending upon availability, at 50% of the offset price (market value). Balance 50% of the shop unit cost shall be subsidized by the State Government.
Option B: Every shop unit will be eligible for allotment of a new shop unit in the market complex(es) to be developed for the purpose on payment of 50% of the offset price.
Option C: Shop unit owner shall be provided with a one-time settlement amount of Rs 20 lakh.
With regard to rehabilitation of Street Vendors affected by the project, the government has said that listed street vendors shall be provided with a one-time rehabilitation assistance of Rs 30,000 in two instalments. The vending plan will be prepared as per provisions of the relevant act and rules, and affected street vendors would be allocated space for carrying out their vending activities.
This apart, a committee shall be formed under the chairmanship of Commissioner, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to finalise the assistance to be provided to government offices and institutions which may have to be relocated for implementation of the plan.
The BMC Commissioner in consultation with Khurda Collector and other stakeholders will decide the rehabilitation and resettlement scheme for the mutts including allotment of land, preservation and conservation activities, etc. The Redevelopment plan of each of the mutts will indicate the usage of various components/parts/rooms and the same shall be put to use.
As the project is targeted to be completed in six months, it is further provided that if the property which is required for acquisition for the project is handed over within 30 days of notification of this policy, then affected persons will also be entitled to additional 10 per cent incentive on cash benefits being provided under this policy.