Curation Team
GHAZIABAD: The district administration has announced compensation at four times the existing circle rates for farmers whose land will be acquired for the Harnandipuram township.
The decision was taken by a six-member committee headed by district magistrate Deepak Meena, in keeping with the Land Acquisition (Rehabilitation & Resettlement) Act, 2013.
The project will require 336.8 hectares from five villages — Mathurapur, Shamsher, Champatnagar, Bhanera-Khurd, and Nangla Feroze Mohan Nagar. “We have finalised the compensation rates at four times the existing DM circle rate for all affected villagers,” said Meena.
The compensation structure will vary across villages because of the difference in circle rates. Farmers in Mathurapur, where 14.6 hectares will be acquired, will receive Rs 4,080 per sqm against the current rate of Rs 1,020. In Shamsher, where 86.5 hectares are needed, farmers will get Rs 6,760 per sqm, up from the existing Rs 1,690.
Champatnagar farmers, who will part with 33.9 hectares, will receive Rs 4,040 per sqm compared to the current Rs 1,010. For Bhanera-Khurd’s 9 hectares, the compensation rate was set at Rs 4,240 per sqm, increased from Rs 1,060. The largest land acquisition of 192.6 hectares from Nangla Feroze Mohan Nagar will be compensated at Rs 7,200 per sqm, up from the existing Rs 1,800.
GDA vice-chairperson Atul Vats said the farmers would get additional benefits as well. “Beyond the four-time compensation, we plan to offer developed plots in exchange for the acquired land. This proposal will be presented at a GDA board meeting soon,” he added.
The decision-making committee comprised key officials such as the ADM (finance and revenue), GDA vice-chairperson Vats, the GDA secretary, and representatives from the tehsil office and stamp department. The formation of the committee is in line with govt guidelines requiring such a body when land acquisition costs exceed Rs 10 crore.
The development of Harnandipuram has received strong govt backing, with Rs 400 crore already allocated under the CM Urban Expansion New City Promotion scheme. The total project cost is estimated at Rs 15,000 crore, with land acquisition forming a significant portion. The state govt will fund 50% of the project cost under the scheme, while the GDA will cover the remaining amount.
