NOIDA land crisis: Talks between farmers and GNIDA fail

Talks between farmers of Patwari village and the Greater NOIDA Industrial Development Authority failed today with the GNIDA refusing to accept their demand for a hike in compensation given to them in exchange for their land.

"Hike in compensation was beyond my powers. However, if you give some acceptable demands agreed to by all farmers I will put them forward to the state government for approval," GNIDA chief executive officer Rama Raman told peasants of the village during the two-hour talks.

Farmers have been demanding compensation for their land at the rate of Rs10,000 per square metre.

He assured them that he would put forward the rest of their demands to the state government for approval including their abadi land (land where the settlements exist) solution, six per cent developed land and other village development related demands.

The GNIDA's main thrust was on striking a deal with Patwari farmers as the Allahabad High Court has quashed the land acquisition of 156 hectares of land in this village.

GNIDA officials feel that once a deal is struck with Patwari, the rest of the surrounding villages may also follow the same pattern.