In 2018, the Haryana government acquired land from farmers** **for the construction of three national highways NH11 (Rewari to Jaisalmer), NH148 B (Kotputli to Hisar) and NH152 D (Nangal Chaudhary to Ambala). Some of the affected villages include Sangroli, Barsana, Faral, Pundri and Jamba. The farmers whose lands were acquired for the project have been staging a sitin protest in Narnaul since July 2019 under the banner of All India Kisan Sabha demanding compensation as per the current market rate. Some farmers whose lands fall directly along the highways are being offered a compensation of approximately INR 1 crore per acre, while others will get a compensation ranging from INR 17 lakh to INR 1 crore. The farmers have demanded the same compensation for all those whose lands have been acquired. According to the Land Acquisition Act, 2013, we are to be paid four times the market price of the land, but what we are being offered is less than twice the market rate, the farmers told News Click. On August 12, 2019, the police arrested protesting farmers in Narnaul. At least 40,000 people are estimated to be affected by the highway project. As they stand to lose both their lands and livelihoods, they plan to intensify their agitation if the government does not fulfil their demands and say that their protest could take the shape of a statewide agitation involving blockade of roads and railways. While the National Highways Authority of India has been constructing the three highways, On March 25, 2021. the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated in the Lok Sabha that these road projects are delayed due to lockdown imposed for containing COVID19 pandemic and land acquisition issues.
Demand/Contention of the Affected Community
Demand for more compensation than promised
Equal compensation for all farmers whose lands have been acquired.
Region Classification
Rural
Type of Land
Private
Type of Common Land
N/A
Has the Conflict Ended?
No
When did it end?
Why did the conflict end?
Categories of Legislations Involved in the Conflict
Land Acquisition Laws
Legislations/Policies Involved
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
Section 26: Criteria to be considered by the Collector while assessing market value includes the market value, average sale price for similar land in the vicinity, and compensation paid in acquisition by private companies; Section 27 read with Schedule I: Determination of compensation amount to be paid; Section 28: Factors to be considered while determining compensation include market value, cost of relocation of business or residence, and damage caused due to the land acquisition; Section 31(1) read with Schedule II: R&R award for affected families; Section 25: The Collector must make an award within 12 months of the declaration of land acquisition, else the acquisition proceedings will lapse; Section 77: Payment of compensation to interested persons or deposit in Authority; Section 105 read with Schedule IV of the 2013 Act: Compensation in land acquisition proceedings initiated under the NH Act, 1956 will be calculated as per the 2013 Act.
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Social Impact Assessment and Consent) Rules, 2014
Rule 16: State government must obtain prior consent of affected land owners along with the social impact assessment study.
National Highways Act, 1956
Section 3A: Land may be acquired by the Central Government if it is satisfied that the land is required for the building of a national highway or part thereof; Section 3C: Any person interested in the land sought to be acquired may raise objections within 21 days of the notification and they must be heard.
Whether claims/objections were made as per procedure in the relevant statute
What was the claim(s)/objection(s) raised by the community? What was the decision of the concerned government department?
Legal Processes and Loopholes Enabling the Conflict:
Controversial land acquisition by the government , Incorrect estimation of compensation
Legal Status:
Out of Court
Status of Case In Court
Whether any adjudicatory body was approached
Name of the adjudicatory body
Name(s) of the Court(s)
Case Number
Major Human Rights Violations Related to the Conflict:
Arrest/detention/imprisonment
Whether criminal law was used against protestors
Yes
Official name of the criminal law. Did the case reach trial?
Reported Details of the Violation:
On August 12, 2019, the police arrested protesting farmers in Narnaul.
Date of Violation
August 12, 2019
Location of Violation
Narnaul
Nature of Protest
Protests/marches, Campaigns (Grassroots organisations/press releases/media), Refusal of compensation, Blockades
Government Departments Involved in the Conflict:
State Revenue and Disaster Management Department, National Highways Authority of India
PSUs Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Government Authorities for Comments?
No
Name, Designation and Comment of the Government Authorities Approached
Corporate Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Did LCW Approach Corporate Parties for Comments?
No
Name, Designation and Comment of Corporate Authorities Approached
Other Parties Involved in the Conflict:
Documented By
Damandeep SinghReviewed By
Damandeep SinghUpdated By
Damandeep SinghEdited By
Damandeep SinghLand Conflict Watch
