Madhya Pradesh government still adhering to old land acquisition rules

BHOPAL: The Madhya Pradesh government today admitted that it was carrying on land acquisition and rehabilitation at Sagar's Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS) according to the 2008 rules, instead of the new Act of 2013.

In reply to a question by legislator Harsh Yadav, Forest Minister Dr Gaurishanker Shejwar told the state Assembly that as Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation Act-2013 was too complex, the state government was following the rules applicable in 2008 to compensate the people being displaced from NWS.

Shejwar said many states, including Madhya Pradesh, are not in favour of implementing the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation Act-2013 and have already informed the central government about their reservations.

The displaced people were being given Rs 10 lakh each after taking their consent and that of the gram sabha as well, in accordance with MP government's forest department directive of October 30, 2008, he said.