Question : COMPENSATION TO FARMERS FOR THEIR LAND IN PUNE

(a) whether the Government have imposed restrictions on the development of land of farmers located near magazine depots or ordnance factory at Dighni village, near Pune;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government have not provided any compensation to the farmers till date;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether Mumbai High Court has directed the Union Government to appoint a Collector for inviting claims of sufferers for fixing the amount of compensation;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and
(g) the follow-up action taken thereon?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. In 1990, through a Gazette Notification, Ministry of Defence invoked Works of Defence Act (WDA) 1903 whereby restrictions have been imposed on the use and development of the land including civil construction thereon in the vicinity of the Dighi magazine. However, no restriction has been imposed by the Government on the farmers for carrying out agricultural activities including grazing of the land.

(c) & (d): No compensation has been paid to the farmers since no restriction has been imposed on the farmers for the utilisation of land for agricultural purposes and the land has already been declared as a non developmental zone by the Government of Maharashtra in 1974.

(e) to (g): Yes, Sir. On 9.11.2000, High Court at Mumbai, has directed the Government to compensate the petitioners for the loss caused to them on account of restrictions imposed. The judgement is under study.