Neyveli Lignite Corporation directed by Madras High Court to pay Rs 40,000 per acre to farmers for crops damaged, 02/08/2023
The Madras High Court directed the Neyveli Lignite Corporation to pay compensation at the rate of Rs 40,000 per acre to farmers whose standing crops were damaged during Paravanar Canal Diversion activities at Valayamadevi in Cuddalore district.
The District Collector, Cuddalore District filed counter affidavit stating that standing crops in the 264 hectares of acquired land for which the compensation was duly paid from 2006 to 2013 will not be allowed to be disturbed by Neyveli Lignite Corporation before harvest. However, after harvest, the farmers, who cultivate the acquired land, have to hand over the same to Neyveli Lignite Corporation. The said land utilised for cultivation by the "landlosers" must be handed over on or before September 15, 2023 in order to avoid further law and order issues.
The High Court directed the "erstwhile landowners" not to carry on any further cultivation activities in the acquired lands after harvesting the existing crops on or before September 15, 2023. "There should not be any further cultivation or otherwise and the Neyveli Lignite Corporation is entitled to guard the acquired lands in the manner known to law," the order of August 2, 2023 said.