This story is from August 21, 2016

Govt grants land, Buddha to stand tall in Kushinagar

The 13-year-long wait to develop Kushinagar as a Buddhist centre could well be over with the UP government giving land on lease to the trust behind the project.
Govt grants land, Buddha to stand tall in Kushinagar
Representative image
GORAKHPUR: The 13-year-long wait to develop Kushinagar as a Buddhist centre could well be over with the UP government giving land on lease to the trust behind the project.
“Altogether 195.81 acres of land has been given to Maitreya Project Trust (MPT) on a lease of Re 1. The government has also waived off Rs 35 crore stamp duty.The land is spread over Kasia, Sabia, Bindwalia and Anirudhwa villages.
While 179.12 acres have been acquired from farmers, 16.69 acres belong to the government,“ Kasia sub-registrar Anupama Pandey said.
The MoU was signed way back in 2003 but a lengthy land acquisition process put the plan on hold. Notices were also issued for acquiring of land but 69 farmers got a stay from Allahabad high court.
The project, conceived by the Foundation for Preservation of Mahayan Tradition, was initiated to install Buddha statues all over the world, said MPT chairman Bhante Kabir. He said, “Besides creating employment, Kushinagar will also attract tourists.“
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