If everything goes as planned, land acquisition for the Hubli-Dharwad Bus Rapid Transport System (BRTS) project is likely to be completed by September-end.
Speaking to presspersons here on Saturday, Commissioner of the Directorate of Urban Land Transport V. Manjula said that already the joint measurement was under way in three villages along the BRTS corridor (Amaragol, Rayapur and Sattur) was in the final stages.
Ms. Manjula said that as per the initial assessment the estimated land requirement was around 63 acres, while only 16 acres of government land were available.
“We don’t have any problem as far as funds for land acquisition are concerned; the State government has allocated Rs. 150 crore in the budget for the current year. In addition DULT has funds which can be utilised if the need arises.
The final land requirement will be clear only after the completion of the joint measurement,” she said.
She said that already a negotiation committee for land acquisition had been formed, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad.
“We have also formed a grievance redressal committee. The committee will also have representatives of a non-governmental organisation apart from officials of different government agencies,” she said.
Ms. Manjula said that the company had appointed a resettlement action plan consultant to address to the grievances of those who would be affected by land acquisition.
The consultant has begun identifying affected parties whose livelihood would be affected because of land acquisition. They would be issued identity cards by consultants and subsequently, based on the impact of land acquisition on their livelihood, compensation or allowances would be paid, she said.
Ms. Manjula said that in addition to BRTS work, the company would be assisting the Hubli-Dharwad Urban Development Authority in preparing a land use and transport integration plan for the twin cities, keeping in mind future growth and transport requirements.
DULT is planning to begin a separate demonstration project on proper road, footpath and other amenities at Navanagar, for which a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened in July. DULT has separate funds for the project, which is unrelated to BRTS, she added.
Following public consultation, the BRTS company has decided to modify its design at cross sections.
Instead of road underpasses, it will have flyovers exclusively for the BRTS. Ms. Manjula said flyovers would be built at Unakal, Unakal Cross and in Navanagar, near the Cancer Hospital.
