Finance minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said land acquisition for some projects cannot be avoided and is inevitable. Expressing doubts over smooth land acquisition for NH-34, which is running through Jangipur, Mukherjee said completion of road development projects will depend on land acquisition.
The land acquisition process for NH 34 has faced political opposition. While more than 300 hectare will be required for the first phase of the project, almost 20% is yet to be acquired.
?A proper relief and rehabilitation policy is also being framed, but it will take some time to be implemented,? Mukherjee said during the foundation stone laying of the project in Murshidabad. ?Heavy compensation will be given to land losers, along with work during the construction period,? he added. NHAI has already paid 25-30% of compensation to land losers. Apart from that it is also planning to give additional compensation to the people. The company is also bidding for the second phase of the NH-34 widening, from Kolkata to Berhampore.