Work on Delhi bypass road to begin today
Greater Noida: The eastern peripheral expressway (EPE) project is poised to take off on Wednesday more than a year and a half after the Supreme Court rapped the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and directed it to expedite its execution.The project had hit several roadblocks in the past, especially from farmers in the area, who were refusing to part with their lands. However, on directions from the Supreme Court, farmers will now receive an enhanced compensation of Rs 3,500 per square metre as against Rs 850 per square metre.According to Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate N P Singh, orders have been issued to additional DM (ADM) of land and relevant departments about the decision. “Following a representation by farmers to the arbitration committee seeking enhancement and after several rounds of talks with the agitating farmers, the compensation has been revised,” Singh told TOI.
“Work by contractors appointed by the NHAI is expected to start from Wednesday, May 18,” he said.”I have also given directions to my officials for distribution of the enhanced compensation once the formalities are completed with the NHAI. This should take about a week after which we will hold camps and start distribution without delay,” Singh said.Farmers from 39 villages across Greater Noida have been protesting against the construction work since August 2015 when the contract for the project was awarded by the NHAI. The have been demanding hiked compensation in lieu of their acquired land and at par with that given in other villages abutting land for the EPE.
