Rs 2106 crore compensation awarded for J&K ring roads: Govt

Jammu, Feb 20: The Government on Friday informed the House that Rs 2106.7 crore have been awarded as compensation for land acquired for Ring Road projects in Jammu and Kashmir, of which Rs 1695.37 crore stand disbursed to landowners till date.
In response to a query by MLA Devyani Rana, the minister incharge, said the compensation for Ring Road projects is shared between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the UT government in the ratio of 90:10.
In Jammu division, where the Ring Road passes through Jammu and Samba districts, a total award amount of Rs 322.21 crore has been determined. Of this, Rs 270.11 crore has been released and Rs 244.43 crore disbursed. An amount of Rs 25.68 crore is yet to be disbursed, while Rs 52.10 crore remains pending to be received.
In Kashmir division, covering Srinagar, Baramulla, Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal and Bandipora districts, the total awarded amount stands at Rs 1784.49 crore. Out of this, Rs 1514.34 crore has been released and Rs 1450.94 crore disbursed. An amount of Rs 63.40 crore is yet to be disbursed and Rs 270.15 crore is pending to be received.
The government said litigations, court references and title disputes have stalled part of the payout. It informed the House that Rs 28.20 crore has been deposited before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in cases involving title disputes between landowners and the custodian department.
District wise data shows that 38 landowners in Samba and 112 in Jammu district are awaiting settlement of their cases. In Kashmir division, 57 cases are pending in Srinagar, seven in Baramulla, none in Pulwama, 247 in Budgam, 905 in Ganderbal and 32 in Bandipora.
The Revenue Department said compensation in dispute free cases is being disbursed through the Bhoomi Rashi portal, while cases under litigation will be settled after court decisions. (KNO)