Deciphering FSI is a big challenge for many airport farmers

Both, the state government and Cidco, are trying hard to win over the trust of the agitated farmers. However, even as the state government is touting that the NMIA deal package offered to the farmers is the best in the country, the absence of the cash component is making things difficult for the latter. The farmers are unable to understand FSI and how much money they will get once it is monetised. As if that weren't enough, there are a host of 'leaders' who are misleading them and not divulging correct figures.

According to sources, "The missing cash component in the package could be the reason why the farmers are unable to understand the package. Villagers from this area, whose land had been acquired, were given monetary compensation earlier. However, since this deal does not involve monetary compensation and offers an FSI of 2 to farmers whose land will be acquired, it is difficult for them to understand how much money they will actually get. Add to it, there are some people who are misleading them."

The source added, "While monetary compensation is easy to understand, when it comes to giving FSI even the educated class gets it wrong. Besides, there are many who are absolutely clueless about FSI. It is largely a technical term and therefore tricky for a common person to understand."

The sources said, "At a meeting with the members of Navi Mumbai Antarrashtriya Vimantal Sangharash Samiti, Cidco MD Sanjay Bhatia explained the details of the project to the farmers opposed to the package and justice PB Sawant, who was present on the occasion, too, seemed to be impressed with the package that was offered by the state government to the farmers."

The state government is offering airport farmers a with FSI of 2 while the farmers of six villages opposing the deal want 35% plots with cash compensation.

Sources said, "Some leaders have been misleading the farmers and are not giving a correct picture of what will be the compensation amount once the FSI value is monetised. This is one of the major reasons for the farmers' opposition. If this things are sorted out, the path for the take-off of Navi Mumbai airport could become easy."

Cidco has issued notices to farmers in these six villages for acquisition of land for the project citing that it is a special project and compensation will be awarded as per central government norms, if farmers refuse state government package. The acquisition of land in these villages is important since the core operation area of the airport falls in this zone.

Package could make our lives

Some villagers are of the opinion that the rehabilitation package could make their life. "We have been farming for several years. However, of late our expenditures have been exceeding our income. If we spend nearly Rs30,000 per acre to cultivate rice, we are earning only Rs25,000. Because of industrial pollution in surrounding areas, farming is not a good option for us today. According to the state government package, we expect to get around Rs16 crore. Even if we were to spend Rs4-5 crore on four-wheelers, gold and home from that amount, we would be still left with a substantial amount that would allow us to earn substantial interest," said a villager (on the condition of anonymity), who has no problem in surrendering his land for the airport project.

Echoing similar views, another villager, said, "Airport will be a reality and we are confident that it will come. Those opposing the project have their own vested interests."