| Date: |
10-09-2015 |
| Subject: |
Andhra Pradesh gives back Sompet land to NCC |
HYDERABAD: In a clear deviation from land allotment norms, the Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday issued orders permitting Nagarjuna Construction Company Limited (NCC) to use 972.69 acres of land given to it in 2008 in Srikakulam district, for development of a multi product industry zone. The land was originally allotted to the company to set up 1980 MW thermal power plant at Sompet.
After a series of public agitations against the project, the government in its last cabinet meeting held in Vijayawada decided to scrap the power project and the land allotment.
Surprising all, the government has now handed over the land to the same developer and granted permission to develop the land parcel as a multi product industry zone. The company was given three years to take up the new project. If the company fails to start the production by the scheduled time, the agreement and land allotment will be cancelled, the government said in its orders.
After completion of six years of the agreement, then special chief secretary recommended cancellation of the project and resumption of the land vide file no. Ref.83/1338/2012 dated January 24, 2014. Responding to this, the NCC management pleaded that the public agitations against the project had delayed the execution and asked more time to complete the project. After the TDP came to power, the NCC management proposed development of a multi product industry zone on the same land. Contrary to the rules and the cabinet resolution, the AP government granted permission to the same management to use the land for a different purpose.
"This is a clear deviation of the SEZ and land allotment rules. Once the developer fails to complete a project as per the agreement the land should be resumed. If the land is given to the same management for another use, what would be the punishment for delay and non-compliance of the agreement?" pointed a senior government official.
Surprisingly, the land was allotted at the 2008 price. The government had registered the land in the name of NCC for a consideration of Rs 80,000 per acre. Now, after completion of seven years, the same rate has been endorsed by the government without taking into the prevailing market rates.
Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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