SMC okays compensation for demolition at last

The long wait of citizens of Surat to get compensation for losing their property in demolitions ended on Wednesday as the standing committee of SMC approved all proposals for paying compensation and even directed civic officials to wind up the process soon.

SMC pays compensation to citizens, who lose their property during demolitions conducted to develop roads, drainage and water lines or any other facility in the city. Due to slackness and other problems, many people were deprived of compensation for a long time. The number of pending cases went on increasing during different demolition drives conducted in the city, especially during SR Rao’s period, who was municipal commissioner between 1995 -1997.

“Citizens, who had voluntarily demolished their property 10-15 years back, were not paid compensation. In many cases, demolition is incomplete due to compensation issues. There had been many representations to the SMC regarding early release of compensation amount. Today, all complaints have been resolved,” Mukesh Dalal, chairman of the standing committee, said.

Dalal added that in some places alignment of road is less than one metre. In those properties we have asked civic officials to check the ground reality before going for any kind of demolition. At those places where demolition is incomplete, the process will be  completed quickly,” Dalal added.