Bantwal: MLA Rajesh Naik Uliipadiguthu chaired a special meeting at his B.C. Road office to address the grievances of farmers awaiting compensation for land acquired for the Udupi–Kasargod 400 kV power transmission line project. During the meeting, he instructed officials to expedite the disbursal of pending compensation by resolving technical and documentation-related issues without delay.
The meeting brought together affected farmers and officials from the concerned departments to review the status of compensation claims that have remained pending despite the completion of land acquisition for the project.
Farmers raise concerns over delayed compensation
The Udupi–Kasargod 400 kV power transmission line passes through several villages in Bantwal taluk, requiring hundreds of farmers to part with their agricultural land for the infrastructure project.
While compensation has already been paid to most eligible landowners, several farmers informed the MLA that their payments remain pending due to discrepancies in land records, technical hurdles and administrative procedures.
The affected farmers said they had surrendered their land in the larger public interest but were now facing financial hardship because of the prolonged delay in receiving compensation.
Farmers seek early resolution
During the meeting, farmers explained that many families depend entirely on agriculture for their livelihood, and the acquisition of farmland had significantly affected their income.
They urged the authorities to clear all pending compensation cases at the earliest and ensure that payments are made in accordance with government rules and regulations.
Several farmers also highlighted difficulties related to land records and documentation, requesting officials to simplify the process and resolve outstanding issues quickly.
MLA instructs officials to act swiftly
After listening to the grievances, Rajesh Naik Uliipadiguthu said development projects are necessary for public welfare but should not result in injustice to farmers who sacrifice their land.
He directed officials to personally examine every pending case, identify the reasons for the delay and resolve technical and documentation-related issues within the legal and administrative framework.
The MLA further instructed officials to strengthen coordination between the concerned government departments and project authorities to ensure that compensation reaches all eligible beneficiaries without unnecessary delay.
He emphasised that no deserving farmer should suffer because of procedural bottlenecks.
Officials assure prompt action
Officials present at the meeting assured the gathering that every pending case raised by the farmers would be examined individually and necessary action would be taken at the earliest.
They also assured the farmers that issues relating to land records, documentation and technical discrepancies would be addressed in coordination with the relevant departments.
The meeting was attended by Tahsildar Manjunath, Revenue Inspector Janardhan, Project Head Venkatesh Poojary, Managers Abhishek and Agnel Gonsalves, Assistant Managers Rohit and Sachin, Officer Zheram, officials from the concerned departments, and farmers from various affected villages.
Conclusion
The meeting provided a platform for affected farmers to voice their concerns over delayed compensation for land acquired for the Udupi–Kasargod 400 kV transmission line project. With the MLA directing officials to expedite the process, the affected landowners now hope that their long-pending compensation claims will be settled without further delay.