This story is from January 10, 2015

Why was Manesar-Bawal land acquisition cancelled, asks HC

Taking up a petition challenging the Haryana government's decision to scrap the acquisition of around 3,666 acres of land for setting up the Manesar-Bawal Industrial area in Rewari district, the Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday issued a notice to the state.
Why was Manesar-Bawal land acquisition cancelled, asks HC
CHANDIGARH: Taking up a petition challenging the Haryana government's decision to scrap the acquisition of around 3,666 acres of land for setting up the Manesar-Bawal Industrial area in Rewari district, the Punjab and Haryana high court on Friday issued a notice to the state.
A division bench headed by Chief Justice (Acting) S J Vazifdar sought a reply from Haryana government on the issue, after hearing a petition filed by Surender Singh and other villagers of Rewari district.
Last month, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government decided not to acquire the 3,664 acre and 4-kanal (2,000 sq yard) plot from 16 villages, identified as location for the Manesar-Bawal industrial area. According to the state government, the process was being cancelled because of stiff opposition from farmers against acquisition of their fertile land and their demand of higher compensation.
Challenging the government's decision, petitioners on Friday informed the HC that the decision to set aside the land acquisition process was taken because of political reasons. It was alleged that some MLAs of the ruling party wanted to shift the project to Ateli to benefit their area.
The petitioners also argued that the move could not be cancelled at a time when the land was notified for acquisition and even the award had been announced. It was further submitted before the HC that a majority of the farmers agreed on the award of Rs 41.5 lakh to Rs 1.66 crore per acre for selling their land, and had even started buying land elsewhere on the basis of the proposed compensation.
Farmers said they were shocked to hear their land would not be acquired, claimed the petitioners. They have sought directions to quash the Haryana government's decision to set aside the land acquisition process. The next hearing of the case would take place on March 25.
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